From navigation to flight mechanics, 28 Pine Bush High School students learned about every layer of the aviation industry this summer through the district’s hands-on Aviation Academy.
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 toured Cessna cockpits, did pre-flight checks, experienced two simulators, learned about the structure and mechanics of planes and got to talk with mechanics and pilots and learn about careers available in aviation.
Each student, according to instructor Marc Gittleman, gave four presentations on different aviation-related topics.
In addition to Mr. Gittleman, the academy was instructed by Jennifer Vittoria and instructional assistant Grace Grant. There were many presenters throughout the three weeks, including representatives from Civil Air Patrol, the Air Force, a federal air marshal, pilots, and Air National Guard personnel. The academy was run in collaboration with Dutchess County Community College at Hudson Valley Regional Airport and Pratt & Whitney.
“You all came ready to learn,” said Mr. Gittleman. “You were eager to challenge yourselves.”
Mr. Gittleman also noted that these students have all copiloted a flight, even though some aren’t old enough to drive a car yet!
The students and their families at the graduation watched a video slide show of all that the students did over the nearly three weeks of the academy. There were plenty of laughs and much applause as they watched.
Superintendent Joe Lenz congratulated the students on their accomplishments this summer and on the fact that they chose to be here for enrichment.
“Today we celebrate students who chose to aim high literally and figuratively,” said Mr. Lenz. “While summer vacation had already begun, you dedicated three weeks to exploring the exciting world of aviation.”
That choice, he said, reflects their ambition and desire to discover what lies beyond the horizon.
“Throughout this program, you’ve learned about the science, technology and teamwork that make aviation possible,” Mr. Lenz continued. “Whether your future includes becoming a pilot, an engineer, an air traffic controller, or simply someone inspired by flight, you’ve taken an important first step.”
Mr. Gittleman agreed. “Whether you choose a career in aviation or not, I hope you had fun and gained new knowledge through the academy.”
2026 Aviation Academy Graduates
- Bianca Abreu
- Louis Almeida
- Natalia Bergsten
- Emma Boland
- Abigail Byrne
- Howard Eriksen
- Danilo Espinoza Moreno
- Sean Farah
- Allis Friel
- Michael Gibson
- Ty Hoehmann
- Ali Khan
- Jack McQueen
- Derek Moreno
- Giuliana Ortiz
- Emma Quaglietta
- Dallas Rado
- Joseph Raymond
- Eagan Russell
- Cora Sarmiento
- Alyanna Thompson
- Amarachi Ugwu
- Joseph Verbert
- Landon Viggiano
- Jayden von Hassel
- Gabriel Walsh
- Daniel Wathe
- Julia Zullo