During the week of October 13th, aviation professionals spoke at middle and high schools throughout Memphis to promote aviation careers and educational excellence.  Last year, on October 25, 2002, over 100 men and women, consisting of pilots, aircraft mechanics, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, gate agents, military personnel, dispatchers and other aviation-related professionals contributed to make the event a resounding success.

This year¹s event was a week long, allowing the opportunity to reach more schools and students.  Participants from the following organizations were in attendance: Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.®, OBAP, Memphis Blackhawks, Women In Aviation, National Black Coalitions of Federal Aviation Employees, the Experimental Aircraft Association, Navy, and Air Force. Our speakers are employees of FedEx, Northwest Airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, the Tennessee Air National Guard, the United States Air Force Academy, and other distinguished entities. In 2003 we are expanding the base of volunteers for the purpose of motivating the imaginations of our youth even more.

Our goal is to present students with the necessary tools for pursuing careers in the aviation industry. The challenge therein is that many of these careers require unique skills that are much easier to obtain when the pursuit is begun early.  Our role is to emphasize that preparation is the essential element that educational excellence provides, regardless of the eventual career path that is chosen.  By providing examples and motivating Memphis youth, we endeavor to help secure the future of our community through another generation.