Phillips 66 Aviation has presented the 2025 Phillips 66 Aviation Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles Leadership Award to Michael Grzincich.
As a Young Eagles co-ordinator of EAA Chapter 237 in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Grzincich has introduced nearly 1,100 youth to the joy of flight, making him one of Minnesota’s most dedicated aviation mentors.
“I’m honoured that someone took the time to nominate me and humbled that people have noticed my enthusiasm for Young Eagles,” said Grzincich.
“I can’t imagine a life without Young Eagles – it’s what I look forward to most each month.
“Seeing a 12-year-old at the controls, realising ‘I’m flying an airplane!’ – that’s why we do this.”
Ronald Sanchez, general manager of aviation at Phillips 66, said: “Michael Grzincich’s dedication to creating meaningful, hands-on aviation experiences is inspiring a love of flight in the next generation.
“We’re proud to honour Michael with this award for his extraordinary leadership, passion, selfless service and for opening doors and creating unforgettable opportunities for youth.”
Grzincich’s aviation journey began as a child when his grandfather, a private pilot, took him on his first flight.
Then, at 24, he obtained his private pilot’s license.
After a 15-year break, during which he raised a family and built a business with his wife, Stacy, Grzincich returned to aviation and the cockpit at his son’s request.
In a full-circle moment, Grzincich tracked down and repurchased the same aircraft once owned by his grandfather, complete with the original logbooks and even the hand-built ladder bearing its tail number.
“That plane is part of our family story,” said Grzincich. “Now it’s part of hundreds of kids’ futures.
“My grandfather inspired me to fly, and now I get to pass this passion of flight on to others.”
Grzincich has since flown multiple generations of his family, including his sons, uncles, grandchildren and grandmother, in the same aircraft, paying tribute to the man who first inspired his dreams of flying.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Grzincich flew smoke circles over nursing homes, including the one where his stepfather lived, as a way to lift spirits.
“I’d ask myself ‘How can I use my airplane to make other people smile?’ That’s what it’s all about,” said Grzincich.
Since 2016, Grzincich has helped the EAA Chapter 237 consistently fly 40-50 Young Eagles per month.
He also organises special flights for school groups unable to attend regular events.
As a chapter board member, he supports aircraft restoration efforts, including work on the Berlin Express B-25 Bomber and applies his IT expertise to improve chapter operations.
When he’s not flying, Grzincich teaches information technology at a local community college, where he often introduces students from underrepresented communities to aviation.
Many bring siblings or children to Young Eagles events, discovering opportunities they hadn’t imagined before.
Looking ahead, Grzincich hopes to expand his impact by mentoring even more aspiring pilots and building partnerships that introduce aviation to students who may not otherwise have access.
With plans to grow his chapter’s outreach and continue restoring historic aircraft, Grzincich remains committed to preserving aviation’s past while shaping its future – one smile at a time.
For 30 years, Phillips 66 Aviation has sponsored EAA Young Eagles and supported outstanding volunteers.
Phillips 66 continues to provide a $1-per-gallon avgas rebate to all Young Eagles volunteer pilots, helping the Young Eagles programme with even more flights.