Submitted by: Cadet Ensign Anna Grace Hale, Public Affairs Officer, MH NJROTC
On February 28th, 2024, a transformative journey unfolded as the Leading Edge Aviation Foundation (LEAF) opened its wings to welcome the Sophomore class of Mountain Home High School at the Baxter County Regional Airport. This event marked the eagerly anticipated second annual “Launching Your Future in Aviation” event, a spectacular affair aimed at igniting passion and illuminating pathways in the boundless expanse of aviation careers.
At the helm of this educational odyssey stood Mr. Gerald Gaige, the spokesman for LEAF, whose vision transcended mere instruction to encompass a profound mission of education, encouragement, and guidance for those with aspirations to soar amidst the clouds of aviation. Mr. Gaige and the LEAF team orchestrated an immersive experience tailored to expose the Sophomores to the myriad possibilities within the aviation industry.
During Launching Your Future, the Sophomores partook in a four section rotation, learning that aviation careers go far beyond just flying. At the first section, Kevin Crawford, Madelyn Smith, and Dr. Steve Johnson, informed the students of aviation careers: maintenance technician, airframe and engine mechanic, avionics/electronics technician, FAA operations, aircraft design, manufacturing, engineering, as well as sales and management. Those interested in actually flying learned about civil business, agricultural, government test, private charter, freight, fire fighting, law enforcement, corporate, survey, and test piloting.
In the second rotation, Lt. Col. Gary Smith, Commander of the local Civil Air Patrol (CAP) squadron, presented aviation career options through military service and introduced the U.S. air traffic control system. He also briefed the sophomores on the mission of CAP, a program that uses an age-appropriate, military-style learning model to challenge students aged 12 to 19.
The most hands-on educational session was the aircraft on display. Students learned the mission and performance characteristics of a range of aircraft. A powered parachute, presented by Certified Flight Instructor Jim Baker appeared to the students as “a go-cart of the air”. The students got a close up experience with a state-of-the-art TECNAM P TwentyTen, the most advanced high-wing, modern single-engine aircraft in the marketplace, flown to the Baxter Airport from Little Rock just for this event, piloted and presented by Sales Director for Volare Air, Michael Smelcer. Other aircraft on display for students included a Cessna Citation business jet and a Cessna 172 trainer.
Lastly, Trey Haney, manager of Bayird Air, and Cadet Commander Emalyn Stephens, Mountain Home High School NJROTC Commanding Officer, taught the Sophomores about aviation operations. They learned about aircraft handling, fueling, pre-flight servicing, baggage handling, catering, flight planning, logistics, air traffic control, airline operations and many more aviation transport related careers. C/CDR Stephens is the first ever MHHS Senior to intern in airport management at Baxter Airport.
In addition to their visit to the airport, the Sophomore class was visited by other leaders in the community. Rachel Young, from Arkansas State University Mountain Home (ASUMH), discussed the pros and cons of taking concurrent classes at the college while the students complete their Junior and Senior years of high school. She also explained the ins and outs of the Promise Scholarship offered by the Mountain Home Education Foundation, which provides graduating seniors of Mountain Home High School two years at ASUMH tuition free. Miranda Bradley, human resources recruiter at Baxter Health, discussed perfecting job interviews and establishing a good work record. The students learned critical skills needed, and often overlooked, in first job interviews such as researching the company, formulating good questions, and having an appropriate voice mail for returning calls. Mrs. Bradley has over fourteen years of healthcare experience and is passionate as a recruiter about connecting each candidate with the right career opportunity. By the end of the day focused on launching their futures, the Sophomores gained an understanding of the important skills and opportunities needed for the rest of high school.
The Launching Your Future event was a great success, teaching the next generation how to maximize their potential during their last two years of high school and exposing them to a vast array of careers in aviation. Every volunteer involved in this event was proud to play important parts in the lives of high school students. Mr. Gaige concluded the day by saying, “We know that the impact of the visit today will not be shown until well into the future, but we know that it will happen and will be a positive factor in their life, whether or not they choose an aviation pathway. We are happy to be a part of that.”
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI