Chloe Hallinan places as finalist for the Flying Scholarship for High School Girls

Chloe+Hallinan+15+in+the+plane+before+her+complimentary+flight.+She+placed+as+a+finalist+in+the+competition.+Photographer%3A+Shane+Berning

Chloe Hallinan ’15 in the plane before her complimentary flight. She placed as a finalist in the competition. Photographer: Shane Berning

By Erica Dick


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.

All finalists being given their awards. Along with Hallinan '15, there were students from Venice High School, Westchester Magnet and the winner a student from Santa Monica High School. Photographer: Shane Berning
All finalists being given their awards. Along with Hallinan ’15, there were students from Venice High School, Westchester Magnet and the winner a student from Santa Monica High School. Photographer: Shane Berning

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.”