NEW WINDSOR – The Maj. Gen. Irene Trowell-Harris Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen hosted its 22nd Annual Tuition Assistance Awards Dinner on Saturday, at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor.
Chapter President Glendon Fraser said of the evening, “Together we have made this annual event the centerpiece of the Hudson Valley Tuskegee scholarship program. This evening, we honor twelve scholarship recipients from the Hudson Valley. Combined, we will have awarded more than $230,000 in scholarships in 22 years.”
The theme of the night was “On the Wings of Dreams and Education.” Fraser said, “We strongly believe that through education, one can realize their dreams. We have been able to provide these beneficial grants in large part because of our corporate and community partners. We thank you for believing in the vision that we set 22 years ago, when Major General Irene Trowell-Harris tasked us to be mentors and role models for future generations.”
Trowell-Harris, the chapter’s namesake, who was in attendance, applauded everyone for their exemplary support to ensure that this chapter continues to offer educational opportunities for our youth in aviation and related fields. “Your involvement is the key to our success. We will fulfill the Chapter’s charter to mentor our youth and continue to provide a legacy for the Tuskegee Airmen,” she affirmed.
Heather Howley, Owner Operator/Chief Pilot of Independent Helicopters was the Trowell-Harris Chapter Honoree. Fraser said it was an honor to recognize a member of our own community who reflects the ideals of the Tuskegee Airmen.
“Heather Howley has been a strong supporter of community events throughout the Hudson Valley and in particular, a friend to the chapter,” Fraser said. He continued, “Heather has donated her helicopters for the annual Golf Ball Drop during our Willie Carter golf tournament, supported our Living the Legacy Day Camp, given tours of her facilities to our Red Tail students, and provided internships at Independent Helicopters. She exemplifies the ideals of our Community Leadership award.”
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo also acknowledged the event stating, “Tonight, you are inspired to celebrate ‘On the Wings of Dreams and Education’ and honor a remarkable woman who literally and figuratively exemplifies this theme. I join in applauding Heather Howley – Owner, Operator, Chief Pilot, and CEO of Independent Helicopter, LLC – who illustrates the rewards of hard work and commitment to achieving one’s goals, and who contributes positively to life in the Hudson Valley.”
This year’s scholarship recipients were: Sean Brown; Matthew Chapman; Miguel Connell; Allison Evans; Nia Garrett; Gabriella Danielle Gooden; Adriana Guerriero; Zakiya Helm; Jaslyn Martinez-Lopez; Keyondrah Murphy; Adriana Pascal and Kendall Scott.
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