EAA Celebrates Young Eagles Award Winners at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025

The Young Eagles program has been completely volunteer supported for the past 33 years. Without the 50,000-plus dedicated individuals who volunteer on the ground and in the air, the program simply would not exist.

EAA takes time during the annual member convention, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, to celebrate the volunteers who have made a particularly strong impact on the program in the past year.

In 2025, EAA was honored to award six deserving volunteers at the Young Eagles Volunteer Banquet.

These award winners were nominated by their local chapters for their outstanding service and dedication to the Young Eagles mission of inspiring the next generation of aviators, and selected based on their years of involvement, contributions to the program, and overall service to EAA.

2025 Young Eagles Coordinators of the Year

Marianne Brown

Marianne Brown comes from EAA Chapter 71 out of Bakersfield, California. Since taking over as the Young Eagles coordinator, Chapter 71 has consistently flown more than 200 Young Eagles per year, more than doubling its annual numbers. Marianne’s attention to detail is a large part of the chapter’s success. She has developed a program that is both systematic and focused on safety, ensuring each rally goes smoothly. She joined the chapter’s ranks as Young Eagles coordinator in 2023 and has since picked up the additional titles of chapter secretary and treasurer. She has become an integral part of the chapter in just over two years.

In addition to organizing rallies, Marianne has gone above and beyond for her chapter. She also takes the lead on coordinating chapter activities for members, building the camaraderie within the chapter itself. This goes to show that at the end of the day, Marianne will do anything in her power to ensure Chapter 71 thrives.

Marianne’s passion for inspiring the next generation in aviation led her to assist in the development of EAA Chapter 71’s first scholarship. Her work impacts youths through their first Young Eagles flight and beyond!

Tony Marshall

Tony Marshall leads the Young Eagles program for EAA Chapter 768 out of Apple Valley, California. Tony took on this role six years ago in the midst of the COVID-19 standstill. During this transition, he led the chapter from doing quarterly rallies to bi-monthly. Doubling up the number of events each year, Tony has successfully recruited additional pilots to support the growing number of Young Eagles.

Tony has always been involved with aviation. He joined the U.S. Air Force as a young man and started as a navigator in Vietnam. While deployed, he was forced to eject over North Vietnam, becoming a POW for nine months before liberation. He went on to become a pilot in the Air Force and fly F-4s. Tony retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service and then flew for United Airlines for another 17 years.

In his retirement, Tony has taken to motivating and creating opportunities for young people in aviation. Tony is the director of the High Desert ACE Academy, which is a two-week aviation camp for teens interested in learning about career opportunities in aviation and aerospace. He has also gone out of his way to assist financially with students’ flight lessons. Those students now pay it forward by flying Young Eagles with EAA Chapter 768.

Tony is a strong believer in motivating the next generation of aviators, which he continuously displays with his involvement with youths in aviation.

Bruce and Geneva McJunkin

Bruce has been a Young Eagles coordinator for two different chapters over the past 13 years. His wife Geneva officially joined him as a Young Eagles coordinator for Chapter 376 in 2022, and they have been an unstoppable duo ever since. When they moved from California to Texas in 2023, they joined EAA Chapter 983 and, without hesitation, stepped into the coordinator role with their new chapter.

Bruce and Geneva worked tirelessly to add variety to the chapter, in turn bringing the chapter’s recognition level from a bronze to a consistent gold. They have not only increased Young Eagles numbers, but they had worked to secure EAA Chapter 983’s first ever Ray scholar, who has since passed her checkride and is now enrolled in the American Airlines Cadet program for her advanced ratings.

The McJunkins organize five rallies per year, which has in return brought a new life to the chapter. EAA Chapter 983 has since brought in a motivated younger demographic to the chapter, giving the chapter new opportunities.

2025 Young Eagles Ground Volunteer of the Year — Vicky Moore

Although the pilots get much of the glory, and coordinators are the face of a chapter’s Young Eagles program, the true unsung heroes of a successful rally are the ground volunteers. Whether it’s assisting with check-in, dispatching flights, printing certificates, escorting families to and from the ramp, or leading hands-on activities, ground volunteers are the key to a smooth-running rally.

Vicky Moore from EAA Chapter 54 in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, is an integral part of her chapter’s successful Young Eagles rallies.

Vicky has been the straw that stirs the drink in Chapter 54’s Young Eagles program, almost since the day she joined the chapter in 2012. In 2022, she was tasked with reinvigorating the program following the pandemic and became the chapter’s Young Eagles coordinator.

A Young Eagles day is chaos at a busy airport such as the one in Lake Elmo, but she created a check-in system that brought order to it. Her unflappable nature easily handled dozens of kids and their parents and a generous helping of pilots.

In March 2024, her husband, Pat, who was a Young Eagles ground volunteer, and another chapter member died when the Moores’ Swift crashed shortly after takeoff.

It wasn’t long after that Vicky made clear she’d be back at her post without interruption, and, indeed, there she was for the entire 2024 Young Eagles flying season, even in the midst of her grief.

She has demonstrated an above-and-beyond attitude toward helping young people fulfill their dreams of flight while inspiring her fellow chapter members to follow suit.

In addition to the work Vicky does with EAA Chapter 54, she is also a dedicated volunteer at the EAA Blue Barn — home of chapters and Young Eagles at AirVenture.

2025 Young Eagles Horizon Award — Beth White

The Young Eagles Horizon Award recognizes the exceptional efforts of a volunteer, EAA chapter, or organization in their support of youth aviation education and outreach. This award not only recognizes work with the EAA Young Eagles program, but any and all youth aviation initiatives.

Beth White is a member of EAA Chapter 613 in Swanton, Vermont, where it is known throughout the local aviation community as a pillar in youth aviation education. After joining EAA Chapter 613, her involvement was immediately felt by volunteering as a Young Eagles pilot and taking on the Ray Aviation Scholarship coordinator role.

After overcoming breast cancer, Beth founded Habitat for Aviation with the mission of inspiring and equipping the next generation of aviation professionals. Through her efforts, she has provided mentorship, resources, and practical learning experiences that have empowered numerous students to pursue careers as pilots and mechanics. This includes a girls’ build project, which the participants are affectionately referred to as “Modern Day Rosies.”

Beth’s dedication extends beyond individual mentorship. She successfully expanded the chapter’s scholarship offerings beyond the Ray Aviation Scholarship, enabling more than 15 new pilots to earn their certificates over the past six years.

A passionate advocate for women in aviation, Beth has implemented programs that encourage female participation in the industry. Her innovative hands-on projects, including the construction of an experimental aircraft, have sparked interest and confidence in young women seeking careers in aviation.

Beth White’s vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication have created lasting opportunities for aspiring aviators. Her impact extends beyond technical training — as she fosters a deep passion for aviation in the next generation.

Check out this great acceptance speech that Beth put together for her award:

2025 Phillips 66 Young Eagles Leadership Award

By Phillips 66 Aviation

One of the most prestigious awards of the evening was the presentation of the Phillips 66 Young Eagles Leadership Award, which recognizes an individual who has made significant lifetime contributions to the Young Eagles program. This year’s winner exemplifies all the best qualities of an EAA Young Eagles volunteer.

His involvement with Young Eagles spans almost two decades with his local EAA Chapter 237 in Blaine, Minnesota. With 1,100-plus Young Eagles flown, and nearly a decade as the Young Eagles coordinator for EAA Chapter 237, Michael Grzincich is one of Minnesota’s most dedicated aviation mentors.

“I’m honored that someone took the time to nominate me and humbled that people have noticed my enthusiasm for Young Eagles,” Michael said. “I can’t imagine a life without Young Eagles — it’s what I look forward to most each month. Seeing a 12-year-old at the controls, realizing, ‘I’m flying an airplane!’ — that’s why we do this.”

“Michael Grzincich’s dedication to creating meaningful, hands-on aviation experiences is inspiring a love of flight in the next generation,” said Ronald Sanchez, general manager of aviation at Phillips 66. “We’re proud to honor Michael with this award for his extraordinary leadership, passion, selfless service, and for opening doors and creating unforgettable opportunities for youth.”

From First Flight to Lifelong Purpose

Michael’s aviation journey began as a child when his grandfather, a private pilot, took him on his first flight. Then, at 24, he obtained his private pilot certificate. After a 15-year break, during which he raised a family and built a business with his wife, Stacy, Michael returned to aviation and the cockpit at his son’s request.

In a full-circle moment, Michael tracked down and repurchased the same airplane once owned by his grandfather, complete with the original logbooks and even the hand-built ladder bearing its tail number. “That plane is part of our family story,” said Michael. “Now it’s part of hundreds of kids’ futures. My grandfather inspired me to fly, and now I get to pass this passion of flight on to others.”

Michael has since flown multiple generations of his family — including his sons, uncles, grandchildren, and grandmother — in the same aircraft, paying tribute to the man who first inspired his dreams of flying.

Giving Back Through Aviation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael flew smoke circles over nursing homes, including the one where his stepfather lived, as a way to lift spirits.

“I’d ask myself, ‘How can I use my airplane to make other people smile?’ That’s what it’s all about,” Michael recalled.

Since 2016, Michael has helped EAA Chapter 237 consistently fly 40-50 Young Eagles per month. He also organizes special flights for school groups unable to attend regular events. As a chapter board member, he supports aircraft restoration efforts, including work on EAA’s B-25 Berlin Express, and applies his IT expertise to improve chapter operations.

Inspiring Future Aviators

When he’s not flying, Michael teaches information technology at a local community college, where he often introduces students from underrepresented communities to aviation. Many bring siblings or children to Young Eagles events, discovering opportunities they hadn’t imagined before.

Looking ahead, Michael hopes to expand his impact by mentoring even more aspiring pilots and building partnerships that introduce aviation to students who may not otherwise have access. With plans to grow his chapter’s outreach and continue restoring historic aircraft, Michael remains committed to preserving aviation’s past while shaping its future — one smile at a time.

***

EAA was thrilled to honor these dedicated volunteers in a room of 250 of their peers, at the center of the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration. Although these six individuals were recognized, EAA sends a heartfelt thank-you to thousands of Young Eagles volunteers around the world — as they are the ones who continue to plant the aviation seeds for the future generation!

If you know a volunteer deserving of recognition, nominations open in early March for next year’s round of Young Eagles awards.