"They Dared to Fly" Celebrates Black History Month, Students Invited To Write Essays

Fantasy of Flight in central Florida plans to celebrate Black History Month in February 2012 in a memorable way by kicking off its Fourth Annual Legends & Legacies Symposium Series with a visit from famed World War II heroes, the Tuskegee Airmen. There will also be a student essay contest honoring the aviators' leadership, excellence, advocacy and determination (LEAD).

Tuskegee Airmen At Fantasy Of Flight

During this three-day event called "They Dared to Fly," the Tuskegee Airmen, the nation's first African-American military aviators, will relate their personal experiences of what it was like to serve as a pilot in the military during segregated America. The pilots will share stories about their military service and success despite operating in segregated units. Of the original group of nearly 1,000 trained pilots and 15,000 ground personnel that made up the Tuskegee Airmen, roughly 50 pilots and 200 ground crew are alive today.

"They Dared to Fly" will be held February 9th to the 11th, and will feature several open-forum/question-and-answer sessions as well as meet/greet autograph signings with several of the original Tuskegee Airmen.
 
In tribute to the Tuskegee, students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in the "They Dared to Fly" essay contest. Using the principles of LEAD (leadership, excellence, advocacy and determination), students should describe how the Tuskegee Airmen achieved success or describe how they can use these values to achieve a personal goal of their own. Entries will be judged on overall content, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, legibility and penmanship (as applicable).
 
Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each grade category (grades 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12). First place will be awarded $100; second place, $75 and third place, $50. Entries must be postmarked or hand delivered prior to 5 p.m. on or before February 20, 2012. Winners will be announced March 16, 2012.

"It is an honor and a privilege to welcome back the Tuskegee Airmen and their families to Fantasy of Flight for our Fourth Annual Legends & Legacies Symposium Series," said Kim Long, General Manager. "We couldn't think of a better way to honor the Tuskegee Airmen and celebrate Black History Month than by engaging students to learn more about these brave aviators and express what they've learned through written essays. Our mission has always been to encourage young people to pursue their own dreams, and the Tuskegee Airmen are excellent role models in the values of leadership, excellence, advocacy and determination."
 
The deadline for the essay contest is set for Feb. 20, 2012 in order to allow students and student groups to attend the Tuskegee Airmen's "They Dared to Fly" symposium Feb. 9-11, and write about what they have learned.
 
Symposium events are included in the price of Fantasy of Flight general admission and are free for annual pass holders. 

FMI: www.fantasyofflight.com