Oak Park High school senior wins Optimist Club essay contest
Student wrote about his passion for flying

Alex Neigher of Oak Park was recently named the winner of the Conejo Valley Optimist Club essay contest. He presented his essay to the club at its meeting and luncheon on Feb. 20 and received a certificate and penand-pencil set.

Alex's essay will be sent to the district level for judging against other club winners. The district winner will proceed to the international level of competition. The annual essay contest is for students age 19 and under.

Alex, 18, is a senior in Oak Park High School. He is taking flying lessons to become a pilot.

His essay is titled "Today's Choices Shape My Future." The text follows:

Ever since I was old enough to dream, I have imagined myself soaring with the eagles. My love of flying has sculpted the way I live, and the person I have become. Two years ago that passion rocketed to new heights when I had the opportunity to visit Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. For a whole week I lived in a college dorm, roomed with a total stranger, and best of all . . . I flew!

My group took part in activities ranging from learning about the history of aviation to flying in stateoftheart pilot training simulators. At least once a day, I strapped into one of the world's best training aircraft, the Cessna 182. Not only did I receive thorough ground instruction, but I also got to- yes- fly. In total, I logged five hours toward receiving my private pilot's license. In that one joyous and oh-so-short week, my passion for aviation grew even more than I thought possible. Now whenever I see a plane fly over, I feel a sense of pride in the fact that "I've done that."

During my time in and above the Arizona desert, I learned not only about the mechanics and techniques of aviation, but also about myself, and about how I see the world. As I floated in that seemingly endless sea of air, I became aware of the variety and complexity of the humanity below me. On the ribbons of roadways, each tiny car carried people with hopes and dreams. I clearly remember thinking, "I wonder if any of these people has ever wished to fly like an eagle?" Then I realized that each must have his or her own dreams and aspirations.

That's what makes us each unique. We try to respond to something special inside us. I also realized that I was especially fortunate to be making my own dream come true.

Everywhere I go, I hear, "Do what makes you happy in life, and you will be happy." It sounds like the standard advice, but I've really thought about it, and I've taken it to heart. I could care less about how much money I make, or what benefits I receive, or anything of that sort. I know that I am already in hot pursuit of my dreams. And, even if they change someday, even if they don't involve aviation anymore . . . I'll always aim to fly with eagles.