The Koty Scholarship

Two Scholarships. One Unforgettable Legacy.

They say a dog is man’s best friend. But some dogs become legends.

Koty wasn’t just any dog. He was a 16-year-old Chihuahua who stood barely 8 inches tall but somehow carried the soul of a fighter pilot. He never missed a sunrise, a warm lap, or a moment to bark at the wind—because he understood something most people don’t: life is short, and you better make it count.

Born in January 2009, Koty was found walking the streets alone in Ardmore, Oklahoma in early October, and was at a pet adoption event in late October 2009 in Ada. Wearing an Oklahoma State University sweater, and with those big ears and eyes scanning the store, Koty was too adorable to pass up. Koty became Koty Lofvenholm and quickly adjusted to life with 2 other dogs (Piper and Behr). Being a puppy, Koty was energetic and had no idea of his little size-he looked at life as if he was just as large as his big brother and sister. Koty went swimming for the first time in Lake of The Arbuckles, and we immediately found out that water was something too big and too scary for Koty. Koty went flying in the Cessna 172s, Bonanza and Cirrus we had available to us. During flights, Koty was always very calm and wanted to be in Patricks lap. During road trips, Koty would immediately take the biggest pillow or blanket, quite an adorable respite for weary eyes after many hours driving on the highways. When we moved back to North Carolina, Koty went flying to Ocracoke and Hatteras airports often and while he did not enjoy the water, he did enjoy the warmth of the beach. When he got too hot, he would stay under our beach chairs and enjoy his ice water. Koty went on SPCA 3ks, he went to dog parks, and loved spinning around in circles. In October 2020, Koty was found to have a level 3 heart murmur and while controllable, the murmur would only be getting worse. In June 2025, Koty was noticeably getting a worse heart murmur (now a level 5), his eyesight was diminsihing and he couldn’t hear very well. He was having many good days, but the bad days were getting worse and more frequent. We made the hard decision to let him peacefully go to sleep without stress, anxiety or pain.

On July 15th at exactly 1600, Koty’s chapter closed in the arms of his family. But his spirit—resilient, loyal, and fiercely independent—refused to be buried.

So now, we fly: in memory of Koty!

Race City Flight Operations is proud to introduce The Koty Scholarship, a partial flight training scholarship awarded to two deserving students who dare to dream big, live boldly, and take off on a life they never thought possible.

These scholarships aren’t just about hours in a logbook. They’re about hours spent chasing something bigger than yourself. They’re for the ones who wake up early, stay up late, and never stop asking, “Why NOT Me?”

So every year on July 15, post your best picture of you and your animal (it doesn't have to be a dog), tag Race City Flight Operations on any of our social media channels, and share your story of why you are passionate about aviation and what got you started down this wonderful aviation journey. At 4PM (1600), two winners will be selected and given an $800 flight credit to be used towards your flight training. Just like Kotys spirit, everyone who flies at Race City Flight Operations is welcome to enjoy in his legacy and submit your story!