In the January issue of his column District VII Vice President Tim Jesky announced that he would be holding an essay contest for Camp AMA. He asked the youth members of District VII to submit and 250 word essay detailing why they would like to attend Camp AMA. Several essays were turned in and read over of the AMA headquarters staff. Ethan Aldrich of Adrian, Michigan was selected as the winner. Tim and the AMA staff decided that it would be fun to surprise Ethan at the Toledo Show in April. We coordinated with Ethan’s parents and his club to get them and Ethan there for the big surprise. Ethan was a presented a check for his full Camp AMA sponsorship! Congratulations Ethan, see you this summer!
Below is the essay that was written by Ethan.
My name is Ethan Aldrich. I am 13 years old and have been flying for 2 years. I absolutely love the hobby. I am writing you because I would love to attend your camp. For my birthday last year I asked to come to the XFC Championships in Muncie, Indiana and I was totally star struck by the size of your facility. It is my dream to become a sponsored 3D pilot and fly in the XFC someday. I truly believe that your camp will help me get there.
I fly an Extreme Flight Extra 300 48 in. And I have a wonderful club to support me. I am a member of Bits and Pieces RC Club in Adrian, MI. I have met some amazingly nice and helpful people on my journey and hope to meet many more. My journey started when I was 4 when my grandpa put me on a Real Flight Simulator. I thought it was just a video game. Later in life it only took a short period of time to solo and I got my wings. Rick Wise was my instructor. He told me that my fee to learn how to fly was to pay it forward and teach someone else to fly.
The hobby of RC planes is expensive. I buy all of my parts and equipment and the price of the camp is just too much for my family so I hope you will give me the opportunity to be a part of your camp.
Great Job to and for both young Mr.Ethan Aldrich and to AMA DVP Tim Jesky. Way to GO!