News Summary
Virginia Fogleman has been honored with the 2025 Cousin Itt Training Award at a ceremony in Savannah, recognizing her commitment to aviation and academic potential. The award, administered by Thrill of the First Flight and supported by Savannah Aviation, aims to inspire future generations in the aviation industry. The event celebrated Fogleman’s achievements, while also paying tribute to Matt Marshburn, a U.S. veteran and aviation professional, whose legacy continues through this award. The ceremony highlighted the community’s dedication to supporting aspiring aviators.
Savannah, Georgia – Virginia Fogleman has been recognized with the prestigious 2025 Cousin Itt Training Award during a recent ceremony held at the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport. This award honors high school students who exhibit outstanding commitment to aviation and show strong academic potential.
The Cousin Itt Award is administered by Thrill of the First Flight and facilitated by Savannah Aviation, who are dedicated to supporting the education and training of aspiring aviators. The award serves to acknowledge the notable efforts of students like Fogleman, who aspire to achieve excellence within the aviation field.
This particular event brought together members of the local community, including friends and supporters from Windsor Forest High School and Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Attendees gathered to celebrate Fogleman’s accomplishments and to reflect on her promising future in aviation.
A Tribute to a Fallen Comrade
The award is named in memory of Matt Marshburn, known affectionately as “Cousin Itt,” who passed away in 2022. Marshburn was celebrated not only as a dedicated U.S. military veteran but also as a respected professional in the aviation sector. His legacy lives on through this award, which aims to inspire future generations of aviators.
Commitment to Youth Development
At the ceremony, representatives from Savannah Aviation emphasized their commitment to providing high-quality flight instruction and aviation mentorship. The organization, which employs certified flight instructors, has placed itself at the forefront of youth outreach and aviation education initiatives.
Mike Awad from Savannah Aviation highlighted the significance of fostering opportunities for young people aspiring to enter the aviation industry. He noted that supporting local communities and cultivating interest in aviation is a critical goal for the organization. This philosophy aligns with the overarching mission of Thrill of the First Flight, which is dedicated to promoting aviation education for future aviators.
A Community Celebration
The atmosphere at the award ceremony was celebratory, with guests expressing admiration for Fogleman’s hard work and dedication. Her achievements were recognized not only with the award but also with promises of support for her future endeavors in the aviation field. Friends and family celebrated her accomplishments and encouraged her to continue pursuing her passion for aviation.
Seeking Excellence in Aviation Education
The Cousin Itt Training Award is part of a wider effort to ensure that exceptional high school students are acknowledged for their dedication to the aviation industry. By recognizing students like Fogleman, sponsors aim to inspire others in the community to explore careers in aviation, thereby reinforcing the importance of academic excellence and commitment within this field.
As local organizations continue to invest in youth aviation programs, the future looks bright for aspiring aviators in Savannah and beyond. Through initiatives like the Cousin Itt Training Award, the community is taking critical steps to foster the next generation of aviation professionals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Grice Connect: Virginia Fogleman Wins Cousin Itt Award
- Wikipedia: Aviation Education
- Savannah Tribune: Free Youth Flights at Savannah Hilton Head International Airport
- Google Search: Aviation Training Programs
- Corporate Jet Investor: Signature Aviation Opens New Private Terminal in Savannah
- Google Scholar: Aviation Education Initiatives
- General Aviation News: AOPA Recognizes Top CFIs & Flight Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation
- Aerospace Manufacturing and Design: Gulfstream G400 Completes First Flight
- Google News: Aviation Awards
