Earlier in 2014, BoardingArea lost one of its bloggers, Darren Booth, in a sudden departure from this world. Darren was among the most read bloggers and his family expressed many times just how much Darren loved being part of the BoardingArea family. His family has donated to the House of Miles all of his personal items related to his passion for aviation and we’ll open an auction to the world of travelers to find homes for these items while raising funds for canine shelters which was Darren’s personal interest in giving back to others.
a commitment to self-improvement is inspiring.
BoardingArea has established an annual award in his name with the recognition being being “a commitment to self-improvement is inspiring.” Darren was always looking to improve his blog and this honor determined by the staff of the House of Miles sends this message forward each year. Some years it may be a single blogger of BoardingArea, but in its inaugural year two bloggers were selected that embrace and reflect a commitment to self-improvement: Charles Barkowski / Running With Miles and Michael Wasserman / Michael W Travels.
The Darren Booth Memorial Award is a solid block of aluminum weighing 12 pounds with subtle engraving of the award name and winners. Each year new winners of the award will be engraved onto the original award with personal variations of the award given out to the winner(s).
Charlie has been hosted by BoardingArea for less than a year but has shown a keen interest in growing both his readership and his own personal skill set. When coming to BoardingArea his daily session were less than 100. Today Charlie is a proud member of BoardingArea’s 1K Club and averages nearly 1,200 sessions daily—healthy growth in less than a year on BoardingArea. Congratulations Charlie.
Michael has been hosted on BoardingArea for just over a year and has always had a single goal … to be a featured blogger on BoardingArea. He’s headed in the right direction with well over 150% growth is daily sessions in his first year and a daily interest in what he can learn and do to become a better blogger. We “jump” with joy for his success and this honor for him.
We, Darren’s parents, are very humbled and moved by the creation of this Memorial Award in Darren’s name. BoardingArea was Darren’s passionate aviation family, and we offer our deepest thanks and appreciation for honoring him in this way.
We received notice of this award nearly on the very day of Darren’s birthday (9/24) and what a blessing. We know he would be speechless, humbled, and especially appreciative that others are being recognized.
And in that “Spirit”, we extend our heartiest congratulations to both Charles and Michael as the first recipients of the SPIRIT Award.
Thank you so much, and HAPPY & SAFE SKIES to everyone!
Sharon & Larry