Miss England Final 16-17 May:
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The reigning Miss England Jessica Gagen recently visited the Royal International Air Tatoo & annual air show in Gloucestershire to continue with her Miss World Beauty with a Purpose Project , which is encouraging women & girls in to STEM careers !
(For those not familiar with STEM , it stands for Science Technology Engineering & Maths!)
Proudly posting this on her Instagram account  …jessicaashley_
                                                                                                                                                                                             Jessica said “Miss England (armed with an aerospace engineering degree), two fighter pilots and an F-16…
Because a pic like this is all it may take to get a young girl to consider aerospace engineering! 🥰✈️
 “
Jess continues to inspire women & girls with her #STEMschooltalks & by appearing in media across the world due to  recently graduating in aerospace engineering ,   read the article when Jess graduated in July 23 here 
Speaking to  the media recently  Jessica said
“Aerospace engineering is very challenging, covering topics like aerodynamics, structural mechanics, programming and advanced materials. It equips candidates with a range of skills sought after by different industries, making them highly employable in the fields of science, technology and finance.   I absolutely loved it. It certainly opens up a lot of opportunities for me and I can’t wait to see what the future holds”.

One of this years Miss England contenders “Maroon Raman” is hoping to follow in Jessica’s footsteps, she’s  a 21 year old student who is also hoping to pursue a masters in Aerospace engineering .  Maroon is from Surrey & currently participating in the Make up Free Miss London & South East contest….  she jumped at the chance to visit the same airshow with Richard Clarke, a Miss England associate…

Here in her own words , Maroon describes her experience ….

“On a cloudy summer’s day, at RAF Fairford, the loud roars of jet engines filled the air, and the extraordinary event commenced – an air show showcasing some of the most remarkable products of engineering and giving wings to the dreams to aviation enthusiasts. Entering the air show as an engineering student, I was extremely eager to have this experience, but little did I know that more than just a dazzling display of the spectacular aircrafts, I would also have the wonderful opportunity to unveil the mind-blowing journey of fighter pilots.

The air show features an impressive line-up of aircraft. As I strolled among the exhibits, marvelling at the aerodynamic designs and technological advancements. These engineering marvels represented more than just metal and circuits; they were the result of relentless dedication, creativity, and a profound passion for flight.

Inspired by the grandeur of the aircraft, I sought to delve deeper and understand the world of those who commanded them – the fighter pilots. I was fortunate enough to conduct interviews with Captain Troels Vane (727 Squadron, Royal Danish Air Force) and Captain Patrik Lange (F7 Wing, Swedish Air Force), who generously shared their experiences and insights. Their journeys were nothing short of awe-inspiring stories of courage, determination, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

Both pilots revealed that the path to becoming a fighter pilot required unwavering commitment and determination. It required years of training, academic excellence, and physical endurance. But, beyond technical qualifications, they emphasised the significance of mental fortitude and the ability to remain calm under immense pressure. The pilots described flying as an exhilarating and humbling experience. They expressed that there was nothing quite like the feeling of soaring thousands of feet above the ground.

Leaving the air show that day, I found myself profoundly moved by the experience. The aircrafts were no longer just impressive pieces of engineering; they now carried the weight of dreams and aspirations of those who navigated them. The fighter pilots’ journey has inspired me to push the boundaries of my own capabilities as an engineering student. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Richard Clarke for providing me with this opportunity to join him in this journey and represent both Vulcan to the Sky Trust and Miss England in this remarkable event.

Today, I carry the memories of the air show and the stories of the fighter pilots, reminding me that behind every invention and engineering marvel, there Is an unwavering spirit that propels advancement in the world of engineering and technology. The sky, which was once distant, is now beckoned with endless possibilities, and I knew I had witnessed more than just a show, it was an embodiment of scientific triumph.

For more information about the ROYAL INTERNATIONAL AIR TATOO visit the link