Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D. of Granby, was honored as a 2013 inductee into the International Forest of Friendship, in Atchison, Kansas, during ceremonies in June. The Forest is a living, growing memorial to the world history of aviation and aerospace.

Hamilton was recognized for her lifetime achievements in aviation. Hamilton has earned academic degrees from Temple University, Columbia College, and the University of Nebraska. She has written numerous general aviation articles over the past 20 years. In 2012, she earned the National Aviation Journalism Award from the National Association of State Aviation Officials. In 2011, she was inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame.

Hamilton co-holds a World Aviation Speed Record with her husband, Bill, set on Oct. 22, 1991. She is the volunteer Executive Director of the Teaching Women to Fly Research Project, which focuses on barriers to general aviation flight training success for women, partially funded by the prestigious Wolf Aviation Fund. She also volunteers to direct the Colorado Airport History Preservation Project, partially funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and Colorado Humanities. Currently, Hamilton is writing two books about the field of aviation: “1001 Inspirational Thoughts For and By Real Women in Aviation” and “Effective Interpersonal Communication Techniques for Flight Instructors: 25 Secrets to Success.” Gordon Page from the Spirit of Flight Foundation sponsors Hamilton’s induction to the International Forest of Friendship.

The International Forest of Friendship was a gift to America on the Nation’s 200th birthday (1976) from the City of Atchison (Amelia Earhart’s birthplace) and the Ninety-Nines, the International Organization of Women Pilots. It is made up of trees representing all the 50 states and 35 countries around the world, including a “moon tree” grown from a seed taken to the moon on Apollo 14. Among the more than 1300 honorees are such internationally recognized flyers as Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, the Wright Brothers, Sally Ride, Eileen Collins, and Chuck Yeager. The public is invited to the induction ceremonies which are held during the 2nd weekend of June (June 13-14, 2014). More information about the Forest, and points of contact are at http://www.ifof.org