Crenshaw County Schools celebrate National Aviation Week
Published 10:00 am Saturday, October 5, 2024
Marci Taylor displays her first-place ribbon for the coloring contest sponsored by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 2003 (IAMAW).
One of the winning entries in the coloring contest sponsored by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 2003 (IAMAW).
:Students proudly display their winning entries. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Evan Wise and Hadley Smith and (back row, left to right) fourth grade teacher Regina Parker, assistant principal Sarah Osborne and College and Career Coach Haley Beasley Kilcrease.
Students showcase their award-winning entries. Pictured are (from left to right) College and Career Coach Haley Beasley Kilcrease, assistant principal Sarah Osborne, Kylee Girvin,Kenley Hughes, Peter Sharp, Cassie Crittenden and Becky Richardson.
By Haley Mitchell Godwin
Crenshaw County Schools recently celebrated National Aviation Week with a series of engaging educational activities, led by College and Career Coach Haley Beasley Kilcrease and designed to educate students about aviation and to inspire interest in aviation careers.
“The week was all about sparking curiosity and inspiration,” Kilcrease said. “We kicked things off by showcasing informative videos that highlighted a variety of thrilling careers in aviation. The kids were so interested and excited to learn about the various careers in the world of aviation. To add a creative touch, we held a coloring contest with a unique helicopter design for each grade level.”
Kilcrease shared aviation facts with students and led a dialogue about career opportunities in the field. As part of the week’s festivities, students were invited to participate in a coloring contest sponsored by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 2003 (IAMAW). The top entries were awarded Lego helicopter sets, while all participants received certificates.
Kilcrease extended a special thanks to Brantley School’s fourth grade teachers, Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Jeffcoat, and sixth grade teachers, Ms. Crittenden and Mrs. Richardson, for supporting the contest and inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals
The winners were:
- Fourth Grade: 1st Place – Marci Taylor, 2nd Place – Evan Wise, 3rd Place – Hadley Smith, Honorable Mention – Kaelyn Davenport
- Sixth Grade: 1st Place – Kenley Hughes, 2nd Place – Peter Sharp, 3rd Place – Kylee Girvin
National Aviation Week serves as a time to reflect on the impact of aviation and inspire future generations to pursue careers in the field. As part of the week’s activities, Enterprise State Aviation College recruiter Caitlin Crawley visited Crenshaw County seniors to share educational and training options to help guide their future plans after graduation.
Beyond National Aviation Week, students will have the opportunity to meet active duty U.S. Army pilots who will share their personal experiences in aviation. This presentation, facilitated by Troy Brannon, armaments science and technology advisor to the Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Novosel, aims to provide firsthand knowledge to students. Brannon, a nearly 30-year Army veteran, is coordinating a student field trip to Fort Novosel, where students will tour the museum. He is also working on facilitating the chance for students to engage in the Aviation Center of Excellence’s Industry Days.
Lockheed Martin (LM) is playing a role in aviation education, too, offering high school students in Crenshaw County the LM 101 course, which provides training and certification for employment at the Troy LM facility. According to Steven Frailey from Lockheed Martin, early exposure to aviation will prove beneficial for students as they plan their futures.
“There is a huge nationwide gap that needs to be filled,” said Frailey. “Often college or military are the only choices after graduation. Both are great choices but not for everyone. More options should exist for our future workforce and for the benefit of our nation’s future.”
