Wellington native Kristen Ullman recently completed a 3,000-mile cross-country cycling trip, starting in San Diego and ending in Washington, D.C.
Ulman grew up in Wellington, attending Wellington Elementary School, Roosevelt Middle School and Suncoast High School. She is a 2007 U.S. Naval Academy graduate majoring in aerospace engineering.
She subsequently served as a U.S. Navy pilot but recently detached from active duty and will be flying for Southwest Airlines, based in Denver. However, Ullman will continue her military service as a naval reservist.
Ullman dedicated her ride to the memory of her father, raising money for the CDR Keith A. Ullman Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded through the Palm Beach Council of the U.S. Navy League to local middle and high school science fair winners.
Ullman biked a total of 3,573.28 miles in 49 days. She climbed a total of 163,974 feet while traversing 12 states. She spent 226.4 hours on her bike at an average speed of 15.8 mph.
In addition, she visited 20 national parks and historic sites. Her mother, Deborah Ullman, accompanied her in a support vehicle.
Money was raised both through the sale of t-shirts and direct donations. More than $2,000 have been raised so far.
Donations can still be made online at www.navyleaguepalmbeach.org. Click on the donate button on the right side of the page and specify the Ullman scholarship, so that the funds are directed appropriately.
