Darla Castillo had no idea that Christmas was coming early for her in class Tuesday morning (October 18), as she was named the recipient of the Ohana Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Scholarship. Darla was presented with a check for $5,000 from State Center Community College Foundation Executive Director Rico Guerrero with her fellow students on hand to congratulate her. The AMT scholarship was established by a group of employees from a corporate flight department in San Francisco to help those with a financial need to attain the training and certification needed to succeed in an aviation career. She will be sponsored throughout her stay in the AMT program if she maintains a 3.0 grade point average, and could also receive an additional scholarship. Darla is majoring in Aviation Maintenance Technology and is obtaining her Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant certificates through the program as well. “This is a program I enjoy and an industry I love, and to continue that dream of being an aviator, a mechanic, to explore the world of aviation, this is a big part of it, so I cannot thank everyone enough,” she said. Darla’s parents have always told her that anything is possible, and with the recent passing of her mother, she wishes she could share this special moment with her. “She would be so proud.” Castillo is interested in pursuing a career in accident investigation, and thanks Reedley College for the opportunity to make her dreams come true. “I’m very surprised (to receive this). This is my passion. The sky’s the limit.”
