By Jack Reinhard

The Fred Grotenhuis Remote Pilot Certificate Scholarship is now available for students interested in obtaining their Remote Pilot Certification through an online course.

Giulia Grotenhuis, who created the scholarship in her late husband’s honor, was joined recently by friends, school officials, and aviation enthusiasts at a special ceremony at Warren County Technical School to introduce the scholarship. The scholarship will cover the cost of the online course and the required Airman Knowledge Test of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  Upon successful completion of the course and test, the student receives certification and can begin flying drones.

A Remote Pilot Certification can aid in an array of career paths, including videography, agriculture, and search and rescue.

The scholarship is open to students age 16 or older who are currently enrolled in high school, trade school, college, or who are home schooled.

Fred Grotenhuis was a long-time resident of Warren County and a graduate of Belvidere High School.  He developed a passion for aviation at a young age.  Shortly after graduating from high school, Grotenhuis joined the U.S. Army where he served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.  During his time in the armed forces, Grotenhuis was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.  After serving his country, Grotenhuis took over his father’s book business and grew it into Harmony Press, a full-service printing company.

All the while, Grotenhuis continued to pursue his passion, taking up numerous types of aviation, including fixed wing, hot air balloon, and powered parachute.  At the age of 58 he began paragliding.  Grotenhuis was also passionate about giving back to the community and was enthusiastic about helping area youth, so it was appropriate to establish this particular scholarship in his name.

“It is a different opportunity,” said Giulia Grotenhuis.  “A lot of this [scholarship] is connected to Fred’s personality being one of ‘I can learn how to do that, but I can have fun doing it, too.’”

“I would like [the scholarship] for commercial flying or to help me get another job in the field,” John Grabovetz, a 2016 graduate of Warren County Technical School, said. The Northampton Community College student has a passion for flying drones, and has a lot of fun doing it. His ultimate goal is to get a job in the unmanned aerial vehicle career field.

Warren Tech Electronics teacher, John Metroke, says that the scholarship will help students obtain jobs.

“What it’s going to do is validate the knowledge these guys have and allow them to take it to the next level, to actually become a commercial pilot and then use it hopefully to further their future,” he said.

Individuals interested in learning more or applying for the scholarship should contact Giulia Grotenhuis via email at giulia51@verizon.net.

Jack Reinhard is a Public Relations and Events Marketing Intern for CHP Communications, LLC.  Like or follow his page on Facebook.