By Emily Patrick
Shayli Cirulli, daughter of Tony and Shana Cirulli of Greenville and Senior at Foxcroft Academy, is taking the phrase “shooting for the stars” quite literally. No, she’s not NASA’s newest astronaut but, as her mother has said, “…she’s been in the air as much as on the ground for months now.” Shayli is training to be a private pilot while still juggling school and a social life. When asked what made her want to become a pilot, she said it all stemmed from spending time in a snowmobile trail groomer with her dad, Tony. She knew she wanted to “run a piece of equipment” and not sit behind a desk, but had the foresight to know grooming isn’t a full-time job or career choice, even in the Moosehead Lake Region.
She thought being a pilot might be a fun and fulfilling choice, so her supportive parents made some phone calls, pulled some strings and got Shayli up for an introductory flight, and she’s been “hooked ever since.” Several times a week she flies with a private instructor, and is also taking a college course for Grounds School. This past summer, she had the opportunity to fly out West in Arizona and New Mexico, but she’s never been up in a float plane over Moosehead, something she very much looks forward to! Shayli’s head isn’t just up in the clouds, though; she’s a grounded young lady: a three-season athlete in tennis, basketball and soccer. It’s not surprising, having grown up in and around Moosehead Lake, she also enjoys skiing, snowmobiling, fishing and boating.
Recently, she was granted a generous scholarship from Greenville’s Seaplane Fly-In Committee, presented by President Gary Norris. There are different paths for an aspiring pilot, and Shayli’s chosen path means scholarships are few and far between, if not nonexistent. Perhaps we as a community can find a way to help Shayli chase this dream and maybe even get her up in the air over Moosehead Lake! If you’d like to send Shayli a note of encouragement or otherwise support her in her journey, her mailing address is: PO Box 404, Greenville Jct., ME 04442.
Way to go, Shayli! Your family, friends and Moosehead community are proud of the strong and determined young woman you’ve become. Keep aiming high and reaching for the sky.