WEST MILFORD Hal Botsford was an avid aviator and a flight instructor from 1942 until 2005, when he died in a plane crash. He logged 26,808 hours and visited 145 countries while mastering flight and loving life. His daughter Allison Botsford said her dad kept Greenwood airport alive with his skill for teaching his students to become one with the instrument panel of an airplane. His love of flying inspired many students throughout the years. To honor him, the family set up a living memorial, “The Hal Botsford Gift of Wings Fund.” The fund awards grants for sky rides, flight lessons, or the pursuit of a new rating. Applicants are required to fill out a form and write an essay of 500 words or less describing their inspiration, desire, goals, and reasons why they would like to receive a grant. This year they received 36 applicants, the most since the fund began. The family credits this increase to having a booth at the Oshcosh Air Show in Wisconsin. On Tuesday, Dec. 11, the annual Gift of Wings Fund Awards was held at the Greenwood Lake Airport. An award committee picks a national finalist and a local finalist. This year Justin Essiam from Bad Axe, Michigan won the national. He sent a thank you letter that said he was grateful and planned to dedicate a year after graduating to giving back to those who helped him. The local winner is Sam Wolf, a 19-year-old sophomore at Ohio State University. His family resides in Teaneck, N.J. Wolf began flight training at 16. He compared his love of flying to a bug that bites and won’t get out of your system. He received his private pilot’s license at Greenwood airport the day before he left for college. Last year’s local winner Anthony Stevens was there to cheer on his friend. Stevens was able to earn his private pilot’s license this year. George Hays was named Donor of the Year. He was a student of Botsford’s. Allison Botsford’s goal this year is to recruit major airlines for donations. She hopes to have a winner in every state one day. You can find out more at www.giftofwings.org. Above: Anthony Stevens and Sam Wolf Right: Wolf with his parents