The Bishop Wright Awards Luncheon took place on April 6, 2022, at Russo’s on the Bay, live, much to the joy of all who attended, after the 2021 virtual event. This year’s luncheon honored all aviation industry workers after a particularly difficult period in the industry as a result of COVID and its far-reaching effects.
William Huisman, Executive Director of the Aviation Development Council served as Master of Ceremonies and opened the afternoon’s program.
Teresa Rizzuto, interim Deputy Manager JFK Airport, welcomed the group, speaking of the challenges of the past year, and urging us to celebrate the beauty of life and all it has to offer as we move forward. The Reverend Romeo Dabee, Christ for the World Chapel Minister, after noting COVID’s impact on the aviation industry, conferred his blessing on all.
The keynote speaker, David M. Tait, spoke with great humor about his 40 years and many roles in aviation. David worked closely with Sir Freddie Laker of Laker Airways and later with Richard Branson as one of Virgin Atlantic’s first employees, moving on to Executive VP of Air Canada and later Executive Chairman at Flair Airlines Canada. David is also best selling author and award-winning columnist.
Each year the Chapel presents a Scholarship Award to a deserving student, and the 2022 Susan M. Baer Memorial Scholarship Award was presented to Alexandra N Lachnicht, a student at the City College of New York, CUNY, who is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Thanks to the numerous donors and supporters of the Chapel a silent auction featured many exciting gifts as well as door prizes, The 2022 Bishop Wright Luncheon, one of JFK’s most important events, was once again a resounding success.
