Aviation alum's article among winning contest entries

Penn College alumnus Christopher M. Gayman, who earned an associate degree in aviation technology (2009) and a bachelor’s in aviation maintenance technology (2010), placed fifth out of hundreds of entrants in a "Pilot Your Own Adventure" writing contest.

The competition has been held over the past three years as a partnership between the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Flight Outfitters pilot supply company. Gayman's entry – "A Life-Changing Choice," detailing how aviation became his life – was among a handful of submissions singled out by the contest judges.

In addition to furthering the Penn College connection with his employer, Lycoming Engines, Gayman received an Alumni of the Year Award at the 2020 Education Celebration hosted by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. 

His story was published in a daily newspaper that the EAA produces during its annual AirVenture, the largest aviation event of any kind anywhere in the world.

Gayman said he entered the contest with the intent of donating his winnings to Make-a-Wish had he finished first. (The grand prize was a trip to AirVenture, which he already attends annually due to his position at Lycoming Engines.) He gave his fifth-place prize to EAA's Young Eagles program, which strives to get kids involved in aviation.