For the fifth year, Hayes Leonard Elementary fifth grade participated in Southwest Airlines’ Adopt-A-Pilot program. More than 1,000 students throughout the country participate in this five week program, led by a Pilot who volunteers to mentor the students. Vince Recker, Southwest Airlines Pilot for 7 years, chose Hayes Leonard 5 years ago because his son Andrew was a part of the kindergarten class. The 2011 class was particularly special as Andrew, now a part of Mrs. Frederich’s 5th grade class, joined the program and experienced the opportunity to learn from his father.
Throughout the five weeks, Vince visited both Mrs. Frederich’s and Mrs. Millies’ classes, mentoring the students in math, science, and geography. Students use aviation-related situations to solve calculations, learn about U.S. cities, explore the science of flight, and learn life values. The program also encourages students to begin thinking about their future careers. “We use flying as an avenue to get to the kids to discuss careers and get them thinking about the future,” stated Recker.
In between visits, Vince keeps in contact with the class via email, as he travels across the country. The class tracks his travels on a map and enjoys the photos Vince sends of his flights and the cities he visits. The photos are a big hit with the kids, one of their favorite parts of the program along with making and flying paper airplanes to learn about lift and drag.
Friday, May 13, marked graduation day for the 2011 class. To showcase what they had learned, the students participated in an aviation Jeopardy game. Teams had to find the questions to answers such as “So powerful, this one carved the greatest canyon in the world,” “This ‘great one’ is on the Northern border of IN,” and “The second largest river in the US.” At the end of class, students were rewarded with airplane pretzels and crackers, and their very own balsa wood airplane.
After completing the program, the students are given a chance to compete in a tie decorating contest. Students submit their designs, which are sent to Southwest Airlines and a winner is chosen. The ties are then distributed to the Pilots in the program, all across the nation.
When asked if he will continue the Adopt-A-Pilot program at Hayes Leonard, Vince says he will be at the school for another five years, as his daughter is currently in kindergarten.