Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone is the chance to soar, quite literally. For Erik Potter of Stevensville, Montana, that opportunity has arrived twice over thanks to the generous support of the Stevensville Airport Foundation.

Two years after receiving his first $10,000 scholarship, Potter has been awarded another $10,000 to continue his flight training. The foundation, established to honor the memory of pilot Paul O'Bagy who flew out of Stevensville Airport, has now invested a remarkable $20,000 in this young man's aviation dreams.

For Potter, flying represents pure joy. "The fun that I have or the excitement that flying gives me is just such a rush," he shared enthusiastically. "It's one of the best feelings I think I've ever had." That passion shines through every time he takes to the skies, and it's exactly what the foundation hoped to nurture when they first supported him.

Mike Schwartz, a member of the Stevensville Airport Foundation and a flight instructor himself, has witnessed Potter's abilities firsthand. "I've flown with him. I pushed him pretty hard a couple of times, wanted to see what was going to happen, and he did very well," Schwartz said with evident pride. "He's an extremely good pilot, a good decision maker." For Schwartz and the foundation, deciding to continue supporting Potter was about more than just writing a check. It was about investing in potential and helping talented young aviators overcome the significant financial barriers to entering the field.

Those barriers are substantial. Flight school comes with a hefty price tag, and for many aspiring pilots, the cost alone can ground their dreams before they ever take off. The scholarship is cutting Potter's monthly loan payments in half, from over $200 to around $100, making his path forward considerably more manageable.

The Ripple Effect

This story beautifully illustrates how one pilot's legacy continues to lift others skyward. Carol O'Bagy, whose late husband Paul is honored through the foundation, finds deep meaning in supporting Potter's journey. "Erik is just a wonderful young man and I'm happy that he received the scholarship twice," she said warmly. "He did fly with Paul at one time and I know Paul would be ever so proud of him."

The foundation's commitment to supporting local aviators creates a powerful cycle of opportunity. By removing financial obstacles for talented students like Potter, they're not just helping one person achieve their dreams. They're potentially putting skilled pilots in cockpits who might one day fly cargo to remote communities, charter flights for families, or commercial airlines connecting people across the country.

Potter plans to complete his flight training in the coming years and is considering various career paths in aviation, including cargo, charter, and commercial airline work. Whatever direction he chooses, he'll carry with him the knowledge that his community believed in him enough to invest substantially in his future.

For young people watching Potter's journey from the ground, the message is clear: with talent, dedication, and community support, the sky truly is not the limit.