Chloe Hallinan ’15 and Science Department Chair Shane Berning won a complimentary flying lesson on April 25th after Hallinan placed as a finalist for the Flying Scholarship for High School Girls.

The Flying Scholarship for High School Girls is a program that was created in hopes of interesting girls in science technology, engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

In order to place as a finalist, Hallinan was required to write an essay about why she wanted to become a pilot that would be evaluated and rated. Out of all the applicants, she was one of four to place.

Directly after the awards ceremony announcing the winner, Hallinan got a free flying lesson.

Each student got to nominate a teacher who had a positive influence on them and Hallinan chose Berning. For placing as a finalist, both Berning and Hallinan were given a chance to fly the plane after the awards ceremony.

“I was honored that Chloe chose me to attend the awards service…it can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it was a great view of Los Angeles,” said Berning in an e-mail interview. “I was proud to hear that Chloe made it so far in the contest and enjoyed taking part in the awards ceremony.”