Page 71 - Life in Naples November 2018

hard-working spirit and their undeniable enthusiasm for the and mathematics within the context of aeronautical engineering.
magic of aviation. They delighted in demonstrating how the The experiences from this remarkable week at the NFA sparked
flight simulators, air traffic control towers and flight planning in students a desire to not only learn about aviation, but also gave
computers in the various rooms of Ambition worked. When them the confidence to engage in the STEM disciplines and
each received their “Aviator Wings” and diploma on stage, their explore related career pathways upon returning to their respective
smiles portrayed an undeniable pride and exuberance, which schools. According to Airbus, there will be a shortage of 450,000
comes after being part of a life-changing experience. pilots by 2035. The NFA program is actively intervening to
Upon arriving at the NFA, the students were grouped into address this global crisis in aviation.
squadrons. In a sense, the creation of such squadrons inspired I applaud the NAACP’s commitment for their dedicated
all students to work in collaborative teams in achieving the goals efforts in paving a brighter future for our nation’s children. It
of the mission to the best of their abilities. Each of the flight was through their noble efforts that Collier County students
planning missions included the objective of the flight, altitude and had an opportunity to engage in a once in a lifetime STEM
speed of the aircraft, calculating heading, radar communications, opportunity unmatched by any other Collier County non-profit
and many other mission related tasks. In this way, all squadrons organization. If you would like to donate to the NAACP to
were prepared for every scenario of the upcoming flight mission, fund scholarships for next summer’s deployment of high school
authentically integrating the STEM disciplines. scholarship recipients, please contact:
The NFA’s summer deployment program allows students
to use a combination of high tech systems such as the flight Community Foundation of Collier County
simulators, radar and mission planning projections to simulate real 1110 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 200
life flight missions. Through Ambition’s design and technology,
the NFA provides students with real world experiences of what a Naples, FL 34108
career in the aeronautical world would look like, as an aviator, an ATTN: NAACP Collier County Scholarship Fund
National Flight Academy Deployment 2019
aeronautical engineer, an air traffic controller, a radar specialist or
countless of other 21st century careers. 
(Milagros (Mily) Perez-Distel, M.Ed. is a
As a former DoDEA (Department of Defense Education
DoDEA and Florida Certified Educator who is an
Activity) STEAM Instructional Specialist, I was thrilled to see educational consultant and a freelance writer.)
the authentic hands-on integration of science, math, technology

Life in Naples | November 2018 71