Cdr. John Paradiso Scholarship for Women in Aviation/Aerospace
Johnnie Paradiso and Nina Clay Paradiso
Cdr. John Paradiso loved to fly. It was
not a job to him; he was simply thrilled to be in the air, living his
dream.
His teachings, job, passion, sense of
humor, and unbridled love of flight were the inspiration for his two
daughters, Johnnie and Nina Clay Paradiso, to give wings to future
generations of aviation enthusiasts. Not to mention, to his daughter
Clay he was the best pizza cook in the world.
Johnnie and Clay have established an
endowment in their father's name to benefit young women and girls who
have a sincere interest in pursuing their dreams of flight. "The
scholarship is an extension of the person our father was - he was
encouraging of whatever our passions and dreams were," said
Johnnie. "It represents the perpetuating and loving encouragement
of a father to his daughters."
The love of soaring amongst the clouds
runs deep in the Paradiso family. "I've always loved the idea of
flight," expressed Johnnie. "In my dreams, I'd get myself up
in a tree and willed myself into space as if I was flying without
wings or machinery. It was my ultimate goal as a child - to learn to
fly."
Although their father's naval position
caused the Paradiso family to frequently move, Cdr. Paradiso gave his
children both roots to come home to and wings to propel their dreams.
Through their contribution Johnnie and Clay wish to help those not
fortunate enough to have a significant adult role model in their lives
as they did. "It's my hope that to some young woman, this could
be the springboard into her dreams," said Clay.
The two sisters understand the
importance of giving wings to the future. They were inspired to do so
by their father's love of flight and the connectedness of everything
through his appreciation of nature. He always said that everyone
touches everything, and no word or act is small or insignificant if
put out there with a loving consciousness.
The Paradiso family has always stayed
connected, even through tough times of misfortune. When Hurricane Ivan
swept the gulf coast, it destroyed the Bayou Grande - home to Cdr.
Paradiso and his wife, Nina Clay. Nearly all was lost, including most
of the family photographs that held memories long past.
One of the only surviving photographs
of the loving couple presents them in the early years of their
marriage at a beautiful art museum in California. Two gorgeous
sphinxes bracket the entrance of the museum, with the couple sitting
on the back of one of them. Johnnie connects a great meaning to the
lone photograph:
"What has been captured in this
moment, sitting on the back of this strong, mythological, winged
beast, is their loving trust in each other which gave them the courage
to take that leap of faith into whatever the future might hold for
them. The trust, the love, the future - that's what's here."
When their father passed away at the
age of 88, the two sisters wanted to find a way to keep their father's
memory alive on earth, touching the lives of others forever. They
wanted the love, compassion, and encouragement that were so much a
part of their parents' characters to go on forever, touching as many
people as possible.
The Paradiso Scholarship for Women and
Aviation/Aerospace will do just that. It represents not only financial
assistance to a young woman or girl, but also the great adventure of
flight.
Establishing a family legacy has had an
impact on the Paradiso sisters far beyond their expectations.
"I've become a more patient, compassionate person as a result of
my parents' deaths," said Clay. "I'm more in touch with my
humanity and just appreciate the beauty that's around me.
Coping with losing a love one is
difficult, but the Paradisos have been comforted by realizing the
impact made by helping others. Giving wings through leaving a legacy
is a beautiful option to explore in appreciation of those who have
passed on that had a sincere love of being in the sky.
The Paradiso sisters truly have given
wings to the future of flight.
This $800 scholarship honors the memory
of Cdr. John Paradiso on behalf of his two daughters, Johnnie and
Nina. The money will assist a young girl to future her career in
aviation. The family believes in inspiring young women to pursue their
dreams.
To apply, please answer the questions
in writing.
Who in your life do you admire
most?
What aviation connection do you share with them that make them
special in your life?
Requirements: Submittals must be
received before July 18, 2008. Convey your thoughts in no less than 2
paragraphs (typed) and limit your response to no more than 1 page.
The winner will be announced during the
two-day Women Soar You Soar event.
Please submit to:
Lesley Poberezny at
Fax: 920-426-6560 or
womensoar@eaa.org
OR
Mail to:
Women Soar
Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc.
C/O Lesley Poberezny
PO Box 3086
Oshkosh, WI 54903
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