Tue, Apr 29, 2003

Pioneer Aviation Program Canceled Due to Lack of Interest

Enrollment Declines, Costs Plateau

A 23-year-old tradition at Mundelein (IL) High School will end, as kids get their diplomas next month: the aircraft-building class, which has been responsible for completing and flying an Acro Sport, a Kitfox on floats, a Montana Coyote, and Lancair ES, will cease, and the teacher, Corey Owen, will find something else to do.

With only 13 students in the class this year, and a class budget of $75,000, the powers that be had a tough decision to make.

Jim Jackson, the founder of the program, now retired, told the AP, "Of course, I'm deeply saddened by this. Public education is in trouble financially."

The MHS program was seen nationwide as "the model," to teach aircraft-building fundamentals, to instill understanding, and to fulfill the aviation dreams of high-schoolers. Now, they'll have to dream a different way.

Over 1000 students had participated in completing those four airplanes, over the years. Over 300 of them entered aviation-related jobs.

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Pioneer Aviation Program Canceled Due to Lack of Interest

Enrollment Declines, Costs Plateau

FMI: www.mhslake.net/aviation/div_avi.htm

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