Shannon St. Germain

My name is Shannon St. Germain, and I am currently in the cross-country phase of my private pilot training while preparing for my check ride. When I became a mother, I chose the engineering and manufacturing side of aviation because it provided the stability I needed to sustain a home and support my daughters in school and sports. My children have always come first, and while I put their needs ahead of everything else, I never let go of my passion for flying. It took time and saving to make it possible, but I finally began working toward my true dream of becoming a pilot. The first time I flew a small aircraft, I knew instantly that I had found where I was meant to be.

This dream has been a slow journey because of the financial challenges of flight training, but my commitment has never wavered. I am incredibly thankful for this scholarship, which is allowing me to wrap up the final stage of my private pilot license and keep my training moving forward. Beyond the training itself, this scholarship allows me to show my daughters that even when progress is slow, with dedication and sacrifice we can still reach our goals. My long-term dream is to become a corporate pilot and to serve as a role model for other women and mothers who want to pursue aviation. I want to sincerely thank the Debbie Franceus Memorial Aviation Foundation for choosing me and for helping me take these important steps toward my dream.