Alabama 99s member, Liucija Wright was awarded the 99s First Wings Award. Ms. Wright is originally from Lithuania and currently lives in Birmingham, Alabama. She discovered her passion for flying during her sophomore year of college when she took the discovery flight. Since then, Ms. Wright has dreamed of getting her pilot’s license. A few years ago, she decided to join the Ninety-Nines to get more involved with women in aviation. She loves the mission statement and the support that the organization provides. Ms. Wright stated, “It is an incredible honor to be selected as one of the recipients of the First Wing Award, and I am very grateful that my dream can now become reality. I hope that I can be an inspiration to other girls that dream of becoming a pilot.”

The First Wings Awards are semiannual awards of up to $6,000 based on the completion of specific training milestones. They are available to Student Pilot Members of The 99s who meet eligibility requirements. To be eligible, applicants must hold a student pilot certificate, have been an official Student Pilot Member of the Ninety-Nines three months prior to the application deadline, have logged five hours in the six months prior to the application deadline, and show financial need.