North Augusta High School Students to Learn STEM with an Army Helicopter

U.S. Army Recruiters from Aiken, S.C. are teaming up with Celebrate Freedom Foundation (CFF) on Friday, September 18 to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) assets to 1,500 students at North Augusta High School, 2000 Knobcone Avenue, North Augusta, S.C.

The event will start at 9:30 a.m. with the interactive display of the AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter, Annie, and end at 3:30 p.m. There will also be a fly-in of AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter, Maggie, at 9:45 a.m., which will fly-out at 3:00 p.m.

“Our purpose at North Augusta High School and all high schools for that matter is to provide opportunities for our students to explore possibilities and expand their understanding of college and career choices,” remarked the school’s Principal Mr. John Murphy. “When you can involve the U.S. Military’s opportunities, it just expands those options further.”

CFF’s Project SOaR™ (Student/School Opportunities and Rewards) is an educational outreach program that supports STEM courses in high schools. The program also informs students of the opportunities that are available to them, particularly in the field of aviation.

"We want students and educators to see firsthand the variety of Army STEM related jobs,” said Lt. Col. Robert Garbarino, Commander of the Columbia Army Recruiting Battalion. "The Army has many technical fields in aviation and those that support aviation. The day will be about generating and keeping student interest in studying STEM related courses.”

Students, in groups from science and math classes, will be given specific reasons why they should stay in school and concentrate on STEM courses. They’ll also learn the importance of college and value of other educational opportunities, such as technical schools and those provided by the U.S. Military. In addition, North Augusta High School students will meet people, including pilots and instructors, who have succeeded in the aviation/aerospace industry. They will also learn about the income they can expect to earn if they work in the aviation/aerospace industry.

“STEM subjects are not just important, they are essential to the success of millions of children who hope for a profitable future,” said Dr. Russell David, CFF’s Aviation/Aerospace Education Director.  “We’re living in the Age of Technology, and the Celebrate Freedom Foundation wants to help educators inform students of the importance of STEM courses, so that students will benefit from taking such courses.”

“It’s an awesome thing for our students,” North Augusta Principal continued. “They’ll see one of the nicest military helicopters, a static aviation display, and have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of team building activities aimed at encouraging their exploration of STEM careers.”

         

           

For more information about this event, please contact Leslie Ann Sully at (404) 808-2317 or leslie.a.sully.civ@mail.mil or Merry Glenne Piccolino at (803) 641-2639 mpiccolino@acpsd.net.