The winners of the “We Can Soar” essay contest were announced during the Centennial Celebration of the First Transcontinental Flight’s dedication and reception on Saturday, Dec. 10. Students wrote about the history of the first continental flight, the “Vin Fiz,” and its influence on Long Beach aviation history. Prizes included $500 scholarships, a Discovery Flight, and Long Beach Airport “goodie bags” and tours.
Curt Castagna, president and CEO of the Aerolease and Aeroplex Group, is a member of the Centennial Celebration Committee and the essay scholarship sponsor. “Long Beach has a rich aviation history, and the contest is a wonderful opportunity to teach our young people about its aviation roots and include them in the centennial celebration of this flight,” said Castagna.
“We Can Soar” essay winners include:
Middle School
1st Place— Colin Flaherty, St. Cyprian School
Received a Long Beach Airport Goodie Bag and Discovery Flight
9th-10th Grade
3rd Place— Okoduwa Aboiralor, California Academy of Math and Science
Received a Long Beach Airport Goodie Bag and tour of the Long Beach Airport
2nd Place— Angeline Alcoriza, California Academy of Math and Science
Received a Long Beach Airport Goodie Bag and tour of the Long Beach Airport
1st Place— Oswaldo Felix, California Academy of Math and Science
Received a Long Beach Airport Goodie Bag and $500 Scholarship
11th-12th Grade
2nd Place— Alexa Lazarus, Poly High School
Received a Long Beach Airport Goodie Bag and tour of the Long Beach Airport
1 st Place— Nathan Velasquez, Wilson High School
Received a Long Beach Airport Goodie Bag and $500 Scholarship
Calbraith “Cal” Perry Rodgers flew from Sheepshead Bay, New York to Long Beach, California in an attempt to get a $50,000 prize offered by William Randolph Hearst for covering the distance in 30 days. Weather and mechanical delays and 16 crashes prevented him from meeting the deadline. He ended his transatlantic flight in Long Beach on December 10, 1911, 49 days after he left New York.
