Tristan Lorentz, an incoming senior at Mount Dora High School, is soaring to new heights both in the classroom and in the sky. With a 4.58 GPA, two consecutive years as the school’s men’s javelin record holder, and leadership roles in both the Aviation and Law clubs, Lorentz is now also the fifth recipient of Umatilla’s Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1632 Ray Aviation Scholarship.

(Tristan is not just an aspiring pilot but also a great student with a 4.58 GPA and is Mount Dora High School’s men’s javelin record holder.)

Lorentz’s passion for aviation began at age 12 when he joined the Civil Air Patrol in Southern Oregon. After relocating to Florida, he quickly found a new aviation community through EAA Chapter 1632, based out of the Umatilla Municipal Airport. There, Lorentz has been a familiar face at weekly meetings, actively participating in aircraft construction projects and volunteering at Young Eagles Flight Days—events that introduce kids to the world of flying.

Now, thanks to the Ray Aviation Scholarship, Lorentz’s dream of becoming a licensed pilot is becoming a reality. The scholarship, funded by the Ray Foundation and managed through EAA’s national network of local chapters, will cover up to $12,000 of Lorentz’s flight training. The highly competitive award is based on merit and a demonstrated passion for aviation.

(Lorentz stands with his award at Umatilla Municipal Airport.)

As part of his award, Lorentz will continue his involvement with the local chapter and airport while working toward earning his private pilot’s license this summer. He has also been selected and sponsored to attend the EAA Air Academy in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a 10-day immersive aviation experience taking place this July.

Lorentz hopes his journey inspires other young people to explore aviation. “If any youth are interested in aviation, the local EAA chapter is a great place to start,” says his mother Katie Lorentz. “From Young Eagle flights to building planes, it’s an amazing opportunity to learn and grow.”

(Tristan “middle” stands with his father Jesse Lorentz “left” and mother Katie Lorentz “right”.)

The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship program distributes over $2.25 million annually to aspiring pilots across the U.S., continuing its mission of shaping the next generation of aviators.

For those curious about aviation, EAA Chapter 1632 hosts regular events and welcomes new participants eager to experience flight firsthand. They even host Young Eagles events where kids can register and get to fly and experience the love of aviation.