Ten students from St. Croix will receive real-world training in aviation this week, thanks to the V.I. Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals. The students left for St. Thomas on Monday where they will attend the Project Aerospace Aviation Career Education Academy.
The Black Aerospace Professionals sponsor the program on St. Thomas and in 24 states across the country. The students who attend are mentored by professionals in the aviation field and given basic training in piloting and ground control operations.
Cenita Heywood, one of the founders of the V.I. Tuskegee Airmen and the sponsor of its Youth Aviation Club, said the training on St. Thomas was a happy surprise.
She had been told that the Virgin Islands’ branch of the program might not happen this year, so she had been working to place her students in programs in Orlando and Alabama. But at the last minute, Randall Rochen, a pilot for JetBlue, agreed to lead the training.
Heywood said she only had a week’s notice to round up her students, but she did not have any trouble finding volunteers to go.
“It’s a once in a lifetime experience,” said 10th-grader Kasheba Sweeney, who only found out she was going to the weeklong camp on July 3.
Sweeney said that she had always been interested in flying and hoped the program would give her better insight into whether a career in aviation is right for her.
“I’m just looking for the experience, you know? See how things are going to be,” she said.
Twelfth-grader Jirah Famucol also had her eyes on her future career.
“I thought it was a great opportunity, because I like to explore stuff,” she said.
Famucol said her ultimate goal is to become a nurse, but she hopes there is some way to integrate pilot training into her future practice. First, though, she just wants to get some time in the sky.
“I want to feel what it’s like to be up there and flying,” she said.
As an added surprise, students found out that their weeklong trip to St. Thomas was almost entirely paid for. Their registration fees, flights to and from St. Thomas, and daytime meals are all being covered for by OBAP. Their parents only have to cover dinner and the cost of renting a dorm room at the university.
Heywood said it took a lot to organize the trip on such short notice, but she was happy to do it.
“Once the offer came up, I’m like, ‘I’ll make it happen,” she said. “It had to happen, because it’s an opportunity I’d hate to miss.”
The Youth Aviation Club is open to all students on St. Croix, ages 8-18. Students meet regularly to learn about aviation theory and aerospace careers. If your child is interested in joining, contact Heywood at 277-3537.
Students attending the camp include Marianella Philips, Kasheba Sweeney, Cassia Smith, Regine Acosta, Hazel Acosta, Jirah Famucol, Earl Famucol, Kenrick Campbell, Orchydia Sackey and Arlett deHaza.
