At CE Avionics, we believe that investing in the future of aviation means supporting the next generation of avionics professionals. Therefore, each year, we choose one student to be awarded our Susan T. Friedle Scholarship, organized in honor of our co-founder. We are proud to announce the 2024 Susan T. Friedle Scholarship was awarded to an outstanding student. This student models the passion, commitment, and drive that our co-founder embodied throughout her decades of service. This year we celebrate our 2024 recipient, Gretchen Pals, a second-year Aviation Maintenance Science student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Empowering the Future of Aviation Maintenance: Gretchen’s Journey
Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Science with a focus in Avionics, Cybertechnology, and Security, Gretchen has shown great dedication to her studies and career goals. She is on track to receive her Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification by the end of 2024 and aims to complete her degree by 2026. Embry-Riddle is known for its industry connections and top-tier education giving Gretchen a solid foundation to achieve her dreams.
Beyond her studies, Gretchen is deeply involved in her university’s community. She is an active member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority where she helped raise $30,000 for the Daytona Beach NICU through the March of Dimes. Additionally, she volunteers weekly at the Daytona Dream Center helping the homeless with food and clothing needs. Her commitment to service, both in aviation and her community, speaks volumes about the leadership skills she is developing — qualities that will serve her well as she joins the diverse and ever-evolving aviation industry.
A Passion Sparked Early for Aviation Maintenance
Gretchen’s interest in aviation began in middle school. She had the opportunity to job-shadow mechanics at a company that restored vintage planes. While working on a WWII De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, she asked the mechanics about the early days of their aviation career. Hearing their stories, coupled with her love for technology and planes, she was instantly inspired to look further into the aviation industry as her career of choice.
Today, Gretchen is pursuing that dream. She excels academically, maintaining a 3.8 GPA, and is currently preparing for her FAA exams. As technology continues to evolve, Gretchen has recognized her choice to pursue a minor in Advanced Avionics and Cyber Technology will provide a strategic advantage above all the rest.
Honoring Susan T. Friedle’s Legacy
The Susan T. Friedle Scholarship holds a special place at CE Avionics. Susan was not only a co-founder of our company, but also a trailblazer in the aviation maintenance industry. She embodied the highest standards of professionalism, intelligence, and compassion. Through this scholarship, we continue to honor her legacy and support students like Gretchen who share her passion for aviation and her commitment to excellence.
About the Susan T. Friedle Scholarship
The Susan T. Friedle Scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors and current college students. These students must also be pursuing careers in avionics or aircraft maintenance. Administered by the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) Educational Foundation, this scholarship honors Susan T. Friedle’s legacy by supporting students who represent the future of aviation. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships. Which has contributed to the education and development of hundreds of aviation maintenance professionals.
2025 Scholarship Opportunity for Aviation Maintenance Professionals
As Gretchen works toward her graduation in 2026, we are excited to watch her career unfold. Her passion for aviation, her determination to succeed, and her commitment to make a difference in the lives of others make her a deserving recipient of this year’s Susan T. Friedle Scholarship. Again, we want to congratulate Gretchen, and we look forward to watching her thrive in the aviation industry!
If you are a high school or college student and would like to be considered for this award, stay tuned for 2025’s application! At CE Avionics, we continue to remain committed to fostering the next generation of aviation professionals and look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence in years to come.
