The Aviation Academy provided thrills and an unforgettable experience to 30 Pine Bush High School students this summer, each of whom learned about the mechanics, engineering and maintenance of planes. And they each got to actually fly a plane!
The students spent the first nine days of the academy at Dutchess County Airport getting immersed in everything about aviation. They learned what is involved in the pre-flight check, they worked the simulator, learned about the structure of the plane, flew drones and had hands-on training.
The academy was maxed-out this year, with a waiting list, according to Marc Gittleman, who ran the academy along with instructor Jennifer Vittoria and instructional assistant Jacob Crawley. The academy was run in collaboration with Dutchess County Community College at Hudson Valley Regional airport, the Civil Air Patrol and Pratt & Whitney.
“I am so proud of you,” said Mr. Gittleman. “I hope all of you got something out of this. We hope you had a little bit of fun and enjoyed it along the way.”
It certainly looked like they did! The students and their families at the graduation watched a video slide show of all that the students did over the two and a half weeks of the academy. There were plenty of laughs and much applause as they watched their journey unfold.
Interim Superintendent of Schools Amy Brockner talked briefly about their time in the academy.
“Congratulations on your achievement,” said Ms. Brockner. “Whether you pursue a career in aviation or carry the spirit of innovation into other fields, may you continue to push boundaries, explore new horizons and inspire those around you. Here’s to your success and the limitless skies ahead.”
Pine Bush High School Assistant Principal Denise Tzouganatos, who tried her hand in the simulator and did not fare well, called what the students did during the academy nothing short of impressive! She also commended them on making the choice to attend the enrichment academy during their summer vacation.
“You each chose to participate in enrichment this summer and you are commended for that,” she said. “Now, take your newly acquired skill set and confidence and make Pine Bush High School a better place this September.”
Mr. Gittleman thanked so many who made the academy possible, including the flight instructor who gave such an incredible experience to each of the students.
“Each kid got to fly the plane,” he said. “They can’t drive yet but they flew the plane!”
2024 Aviation Summer Enrichment Academy Graduates
- Gabriel Anderson Guadeloupe
- Mia Atchison
- Carter Carl Campos
- Brayden Diefenbach
- Robeanna Fontana
- Kyle Howell
- Malaika Khan
- Conor Kilgore
- McKenna Larsen
- Julio Lema
- Arianna Lugo
- Aidan McQueen
- Sofia McSweeney
- Kate Megello
- Madelline Monahan
- Scott Mongillo
- Cailey Noviello
- Umaiza Qureshi
- Jackson Rose
- Angus Russell
- Logan Sarmiento
- Daniel Sassi
- Iyana Steinard
- Thais Tabares
- Christopher Turcotte-O’Dell
- Jace Veaz
- Jack Vero
- Matthew Webster
- Harrison Winter