The Dream Never Dies Foundation In Memory of Lloyd Christopher Skeen

In honor of Black History Month, we celebrate a Canadian icon: Major Walter "Wally" Peters. Born in Nova Scotia, Wally broke barriers in 1961 as Canada’s first Black jet fighter pilot. His skill was so legendary that he became a member of the Snowbirds flight demonstration team and a world-class flight instructor.

Beyond the cockpit, he was a human rights advocate and a mentor who proved that excellence has no color.

This tribute features an AI-rendered restoration of the original portrait to honour Maj. Walter 'Wally' Peters' legacy with modern clarity. Image Credits: Original photo via the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

At The Dream Never Dies Foundation, we believe the future of Canadian transport aviation lies at the intersection of advanced technology and diverse talent. From AI-driven safety to BVLOS operations, the industry is evolving, and our annual Lloyd Christopher Skeen Memorial Aviation Camp is one place where that evolution begins.

Through hands-on simulator experiences and scholarship support, we're removing barriers for the next generation of aerospace leaders. Explore our 2026 scholarship opportunities at thedreamneverdies.org/scholarships

This Black History Month, we honour "Brave Bessie." Blocked from flight schools in the U.S. due to her race and gender, Bessie Coleman didn’t take no for an answer. She learned French and headed to Paris to earn her international pilot license in 1921.

Returning home, she became a sensation for her "barnstorming" stunts and refused to perform anywhere that was segregated. In pursuing her dream, Bessie Coleman made it possible for every woman of colour who has ever looked at the sky and said, "I belong there too".

This tribute features an AI-enhanced restoration of the original portrait of Bessie Coleman to bring her inspiring story into clearer focus for a new generation.
Original Photo Credit: George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images.

February marks a special time of reflection for us. Not only is it Black History Month, but it is also the birth month of Lloyd Christopher Skeen (Feb 1, 1971).

Lloyd’s journey was a testament to Black excellence in aviation. From his first flight at age 4 to earning his Commercial Pilot License at Embry-Riddle, he broke barriers and built community everywhere he went—whether as a DJ, a student leader, or a professional at Air Transat and the GTAA. Though he passed away at 32, his dream of helping others overcome financial hurdles through scholarships lives on. We celebrate his infectious laugh and his soaring spirit this month.

Visit thedreamneverdies.org today and find out more about Lloyd's legacy.

This tribute features an AI-rendered restoration of the original portrait to honour Lloyd's memory.

The future beckons. The journey starts now.

We are officially accepting applications for our 2026 Scholarships, making dreams come true, one scholarship at a time.

Applications close April 4th, 2026. Visit thedreamneverdies.org/scholarships

For 23 years, The Dream Never Dies Foundation has been committed to making dreams come true, one scholarship at a time. In memory of Lloyd Christopher Skeen, the Foundation has awarded over 250 scholarships totaling more than $300,000, empowering students to pursue higher education and meaningful careers.

Whether the goal is aviation or another field of study, financial barriers should never limit your potential.

We're happy to announce that applications for 2026 are now open until April 4th. Learn more and apply at thedreamneverdies.org/scholarships.

Since 2003, we've awarded over $300,000 to 250+ scholars. Building on our successful 2025, where we supported 21 students in fields ranging from Aviation to Healthcare, we're excited for the year ahead. We're calling on donors, volunteers, and prospective applicants to join us as we prepare for 2026. Let's ensure every dream has the fuel to reach its destination.

Learn more by checking out this post from our LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7412592447010017280

UPDATED - We are looking forward to another wonderful year which promises new opportunities for us to continue doing great things and making dreams a reality.

Since 2003, we have presented over $300,000 in scholarships to more than 250 recipients, and in 2025, through donations and strategic partnerships, over $30,000 was raised and awarded to 21 students pursuing various programs in Aviation, Healthcare, Law, Forensic Science, and Business Administration, among others. And we are just warming up.

As we take off into the new year, we reaffirm our commitment to increasing financial support for more deserving students and creating opportunities that bring them closer to realizing their dreams. With your continued support, we can arrive at our destination, all while honouring the memory of Lloyd Christopher Skeen.

From all of us at The Dream Never Dies Foundation to you and yours, have a truly remarkable new year and may your own dreams come true.

Learn more today - thedreamneverdiesfoundation.org |

From our family to you and yours, a heartfelt thank you for being part of the Dream Never Dies Foundation community this year. Your support made it possible to keep dreams alive and change lives, one scholarship at a time. Happy Holidays!

Learn more about our mission by visiting www.thedreamneverdies.org today.

Looking for meaningful holiday gifts this season? Our Online Charity Auction is now live, featuring 125 lots of electronics, gaming items, accessories, and other great finds – many starting at just a few dollars.

When you bid, you're not only checking items off your Christmas list; you're also supporting The Dream Never Dies Foundation and helping us provide opportunities, scholarships, and programs for youth in honour of Lloyd C. Skeen.

Your purchase has purpose, so place your bid today:
https://maxsold.com/auction/104233/bidgallery

Auction closes December 19.

Huge thanks to the folks Maxsold Auctions