Lucile Miller Wright: An Aviatrix with Vision and Generosity
For more than thirty years, Lucile Miller Wright was a central member of the Girls Incorporated National Board. In 1947, she founded the Jamestown Girls Club and served as its President for more than 25 years. Her legacy lives on today through the Girls Incorporated National Scholars program. In 1992, Lucile Miller Wright left a $6.4 million bequest to Girls Inc. and secured a commitment to scholarships for Girls Inc. girls throughout the country. Her generosity ensures that Girls Inc. members are encouraged to aspire to higher education. Her personal achievements as a female pilot are an inspiration for all girls to follow their dreams.

As a young girl, Lucile spent her childhood hunting and fishing with her father, who wanted his only daughter to be a lawyer. She graduated from Washington University with a degree in modern languages and science and then earned a law degree from George Washington University. Her father got his wish. Or so he thought.

After law school, Lucile became interested in flying. Her father tried to stymie her burgeoning interest by sending her up in an open-cockpit plane with his friend, General Billy Mitchell, the “Father of the Air Force.” But his plan backfired, as Lucille was “thrilled to death” on the trip and came down more determined than ever to learn how to fly. She didn't want to be a lawyer. She wanted to be a pilot.

When she had enough money for lessons, Lucile discovered that flight instructors and airport staff were of little help to a woman who wanted to learn how to fly. They went out of their way to make it difficult and they lied about the availability of planes and teachers. Lucile was not to be deterred, and she took matters into her own hands. She bought her own plane and flew it until she racked up enough hours to qualify as a pilot. Then she took the required exams and got her license.

During World War II, the allies faced a shortage of combat and civilian pilots. Lucile demonstrated her desire to contribute by volunteering her piloting talents and her plane to the Civil Air Patrol. She performed search and rescue missions as a pilot in the women's ferry command. This was the first time that women pilots were recruited to fly as part of a war effort. Lucile was also a member of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization founded in 1929 by 99 licensed women pilots “for the mutual support and advancement of aviation.” Lucile formed a friendship with the founding president, who was none other than Amelia Earhart! Today the Ninety-Nines are still going strong and part of the their mission is to preserve the unique history of women in aviation.

Lucile Miller Wright found something that she loved to do and despite the challenges, she made it a reality. She did the same for Girls Inc. members by putting opportunities within their reach through the Girls Inc. National Scholars Program. Obstacles still exist, but with Lucile's assistance, many girls and young women will be their own pilots.

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