For Nelson County High School senior Anna Simpson, one unexpected place has defined her high school journey — an airport.

Anna is a standout student, golfer, and member of the Bluegrass Aerospace Experience, a program unlike any other in the country.  She became one of the few high school students in the world to build a Carbon Cub plane. By senior year, she wasn’t just building planes — she was flying one.

“It’s definitely been unexpected — but in the best way,” Anna says. “I never thought I’d fly a plane, let alone build one.”

Her story is a powerful reminder of how the right place can change everything.

Samuel’s Field Airport became a launchpad — not just for planes, but for purpose. After her first solo flight in December, Anna knew she’d found her future. “From junior year on, I knew I wanted to be in aviation. I’m going back after graduation to help instruct other students. I want to give back to the place that helped me.”

And while the airport may be her launchpad, Anna’s success has also been grounded in discipline. In addition to her work in aviation and athletics, she’s earned more than 60 college credit hours — completing an associate degree before even receiving her high school diploma.

In every space she’s entered — from classrooms to cockpits — Anna has made the most of the opportunities in front of her.

She’s also a six-year member of the Nelson County golf team, where another meaningful place shaped her growth: the course. Golf became a shared ritual between Anna and her dad, who also serves as her coach. “Even when he’s not playing, he’s walking with me,” she says. “We’ve always done this together.”

From the quiet fairways to the skies above Bardstown, Anna’s journey has been shaped by the places she’s returned to again and again — places that have given her confidence, clarity, and connection.

“I feel like the airport will always be home base,” Anna says. “I’ll keep going back.”