Thirty Pine Bush High School students soared this summer. They were part of the Aviation Academy and learned about every aspect of flying.
The students spent the better part of their three weeks at the Hudson Valley Regional Airport learning about all that is involved in aviation: they did pre-flight checks, experienced two simulators, learned about the structure and mechanics of planes and got to talk with mechanics and pilots who live this life every day.
Marc Gittleman ran the academy along with instructor Jennifer Vittoria and instructional assistants Jacob Crawley and Grace Grant. The academy was run in collaboration with Dutchess County Community College at Hudson Valley Regional Airport, the Civil Air Patrol and Pratt & Whitney.
“As your teachers, we are proud of you,” said Mr. Gittleman. “You put in so much work over the past three weeks.”
That they did, but they enjoyed it too.
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.
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Amy Brockner congratulated the students on their accomplishments this summer and encouraged them to continue exploring whatever they are curious about.
“Whether you enrolled with a clear vision of one day becoming a pilot, or simply wanted to explore your interest in aviation, the curiosity, dedication and growth you’ve shown over these past weeks have been truly impressive,” she said.
“As you move forward, we hope this experience has sparked new ambitions and opened your eyes to new possibilities. Whether you ultimately pursue a career in aviation or apply what you’ve learned in a different field, remember that this is just one step in a lifelong journey of learning and growth.”
Aaron Hopmayer, principal of Pine Bush High School, agreed.
“You did something truly special this summer,” he told the students and their families. “You all chose to be here in July. You are leaders and you make our high school a better place.”
“Keep dreaming big, stay curious,” said Ms. Brockner, “and never stop reaching for new heights.”
2025 Aviation Academy Graduates
- Bryn Blackwell
- Harris Blumrath
- Conor Bordeman
- Aiden Byrne
- Juan Pablo Cabrera
- William Chen
- Gavin Coleman
- Jonah Crawford
- Devin Csanko
- Adam Dillon
- Madeline Doyle
- Angel Floris
- Yamireth Garcia-Murguia
- Lillian Gerspach
- Jason Gorman
- Leonard Horne
- Lauren Keeley
- Chase Keesler
- Marvin Majano
- Elyse-Marie Meier
- Taylor Moser
- Nadia Polchowski-Long
- Kendra Restrepo
- Riley Russell
- Caroline Sgourdas
- Emma Sorge
- Cole Thompson
- Juliana Vanderkooy
- Paige Zwart
- Landon Zwart