sealPurdue News
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June 24, 1997

This is a story idea from the Purdue News Service. To arrange interviews or campus visits, call Grady Jones at (765) 494-2079 or e-mail him at grady_jones@purdue.edu

Amelia Earhart would be proud

Two Purdue students are following in the tradition of Amelia Earhart as they compete in the 1997 "Air Race Classic." Originally called "The Powder Puff Derby," this year's race begins today (Tuesday, June 24) in Boise, Idaho, and ends Friday, June 27, in Knoxville, Tenn. The planes will travel through Evanston, Wyo.; James, N.D.; Duluth, Minn.; Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.; Elkhart, Ind.; and Wheeling, W.Va. Journalists can contact the Purdue team members by phone for interviews during the race.

The Purdue team is senior Jackie Battipaglia of New Windsor, N.Y., and junior Julie Swengel of Greenwood. Both are in the School of Aviation Technology. They are the youngest competitors in the field. Battipaglia was a member of last year's winning team.

Like Earhart, who was once a member of the Purdue University staff and who also competed in the race, the young women are undaunted by the challenge or rigors of a long race and stiff competition. "You learn so much from the women who have been flying longer than you have been alive, " Battipaglia said. "You gain a whole year's worth of flying in four days."

CONTACT: Mary Ann Eiff, assistant professor of aviation technology, (765) 449-9804

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu

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