Aviation students take flight this summer

Twenty-three Pine Bush High School students had an incredible experience at the aviation summer enrichment academy.

The 23 students spent two and a half weeks of their summer break learning about all things aviation. They received real hands-on training and spent much of their time in and around planes, at the Hudson Valley Airport, a simulator, and with those who have many years of experience in the aviation field.

A man at the far left, wearing tan pants and a navy blue shirt, gestures to the high school students, all wearing light blue shirts and sitting listening to him.

Marc Gittleman, who, along with Jennifer Vittoria and instructional assistant Jacob Crawley, ran the academy, said he was so proud of the kids.

“We’ve done a lot in 12 days,” said Mr. Gittleman. “I am proud of the effort you all put into this. And we had so much fun. Whether you pursue aviation or not, we had fun!”

They started with the Civil Air Patrol in Goshen and then spent nine of their days at the Hudson Valley Airport. They learned from pilots who flew in extreme circumstances, including a helicopter pilot who was flying over New York City during the Sept. 11 attack. Some executed barrel rolls in the simulator and all actually co-piloted flights. The students visited Pratt & Whitney, a global leader in propulsion systems, powering the most advanced aircraft in the world.

A man in a white polo shirt stands at a podium and is turned to talk to a group of high school students sitting in chairs. They are all wearing light blue shirts.

Mr. Dunn, who is beginning his second year here as superintendent at Pine Bush, said the enrichment academies are really something special. He thanked the parents and care givers who were present for this graduation ceremony for supporting their children and their dreams. And he addressed the students about their futures.

A tall high school young man wearing a light blue shirt and tan pants, shakes hands with a woman with short dark hair and wearing a blue and white shirt.

“There is a growing movement to get jobs back to our country,” said Mr. Dunn. “Aviation is a burgeoning industry. The sky truly is the limit for you guys. Keep up the hard work!”

A high school young woman with long hair, wearing a light blue shirt, shakes hands with a man wearing a dark blue shirt. She is smiling.

Pine Bush High School Principal Aaron Hopmayer congratulated the students on using their time so wisely.

A high school young man with short red hair, shakes hands with a man wearing a white polo shirt. They are both smiling.

“These kids have done something many would not,” said Mr. Hopmayer. “They’ve come to summer school for enrichment! We are all super proud of you all. Your summer starts today.”

Have a look here at the aviation academy’s adventures this summer!

2023 Aviation Summer Enrichment Academy Graduates

Peter J. Agro
John Almeida
Xavier Chavez III
Isaiah Christner
Allison Corin
Kayla Dec
Hailey Dec
Joseph Fontana
Alanah Giannini
Keira Healy
Liam Long
Luca Marchese
Nicholas Mazzella
Chase McFarland
Kevin Muntz
Kyle O’Brien
Alessandra Pierpoint
Jacob Schuh
Christopher Sgourdas
Jake Thompson
Samantha Vuksanovich
Cameron Zollo
Angelo Zullo

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2023 Aviation Summer Enrichment Academy Graduates