Winton Scholar 2023 – Spencer C.

Gregory Winton, Esq. was an aviation law advocate, a commercial pilot, and a certified flight instructor for more than 30 years. He devoted his personal and professional life to the advancement of the aviation industry. Greg believed in the importance of cultivating the next generation and he became involved with Anne Arundel County Public Schools to share his experience and expertise with future generations and to mentor students. 

He served on the Education Foundation of AACPS Board of Directors since 2017. 

A scholarship was created in his name to sponsor high school students in the Anne Arundel County Public School system to get their pilot’s licenses. Through this scholarship fund, we honor Greg’s legacy and continue his passion for providing guidance and direction to advance students’ pursuit of aviation and interest in soaring to new heights by becoming pilots.

Spencer Clokey, a senior at Broadneck High School, is one of the 2023 winners of the Gregory S. Winton, Esq. Scholarship. 

We had a chance to talk with Spencer about winning and his future in aviation.

Here are some of the highlights:

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where do you go to school and what are two characteristics that people would say describe you?

I have been accepted to Emory Riddle & Jacksonville University. I have chosen Jacksonville University because I feel the student diversity there is something that I want to be a part of. 

Thinking about the ways people tend to describe me, they have said I am easy going and thoughtful and I agree.

What are 5 words that you think of when you think about flying?

Dedication. My goal is to be a commercial pilot and I know it is a journey that could be challenging, but it is what I want. So, I am focused on doing what is necessary to achieve that goal.

Planning. A crucial component of flying.

Awareness. It’s very necessary to pay attention to everything when flying.

Exciting. Every time you fly it is a different experience. No two flights are the same.

Rewarding. It feels good to hit milestones, for example I recently flew a solo flight.

How did you learn about the Winton Scholarship and what motivated you to apply?

My school counselor reached out to me because they knew I flew and encouraged me to apply.

I decided to apply because there are some financial responsibilities to training to become a pilot and I would appreciate the help.

When I looked into Mr. Winton, his story really resonated with me and it felt like we had similar passions.

When did you know that you wanted to be a pilot? 

About a year and a half ago, I was dealing with the pressure of deciding what I wanted to do for a career, but I had a difficult time finding something that was my passion. My family and I were on a beach trip and my brother brought his friend who was a commercial pilot and he told us about his work. It felt like something I could see myself doing every day. So, when we got home I told my mom my interest and we scheduled a discovery flight on a beautiful day with perfect weather and the pilot let me fly for a bit. At that moment it was confirmed that flying is what I wanted to do.

There is a difference between wanting to be something and actually taking the steps to become what you want. When did you realize you would fulfill your dream of being a pilot?

I think we all have wants in our lives.

What separates this (wants) from those general desires is that you are compelled to take the steps necessary. I realized I would fulfill my dream after taking a few lessons. My first lesson was really scary because it was very turbulent and that could have turned me away, but I went back and each lesson got better and so did I.

What specific skills do you need to have and practice to become a pilot?

I would say you need to have quick decision making. Check the weather and every available notice connected to flying. Planning skills and a process of preparation is very important to flying.

How have your family and friends reacted to your journey in aviation?

Everyone in my family has commented it is kind of strange that I’m going to be a pilot because no one in our family is a pilot. They recognized that I am drawn to anything with a motor, so flying made sense when they made that connection. They have been very supportive, which has helped me feel motivated in the process. My friends have been great in the process as well. When they tell people, they don’t believe them and I think it’s funny.

What do you see as your future in aviation and how will the Winton Scholarship help you achieve it?

The Winton Scholarship is giving me the opportunity to build a solid foundation in my goal to become a commercial pilot. It’s like the base of my tree and I get to branch out from that. I constantly keep up with the most current news connected to commercial aviation, so there are a lot of things in the future for me.

Looking at the advances in aviation technology, what is one thing you are most excited about?

The plane I’m flying now is from the 1970s and I realized a lot of things in the aviation world are old. Autopilot is one that stands out, especially thinking about how it was from the 1970’s and how modern technology with vehicles and much more advanced technology has advanced, so I’m confident that more modernized devices will be integrated into aviation at some point.

The Winton Scholarship was created to help advance students’ pursuit of aviation and with you being a recipient of the scholarship this year, how has it fulfilled its mission in selecting you?

The scholarship has helped me feel more connected to the aviation community. Mr. Winton’s family giving back has inspired me to give back when I have the opportunity to do the same. Winning this scholarship shows that they want me to succeed.

Louis Nesbitt, PDM Department