Magnolia Student Center 10th grader Ashton Graves, 15, participated in the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter One Air Academy Youth Campership over the summer. The program is for students ages 12-18 interested in aviation; students learn about flight through both classroom workshops and outdoor experiences.
Students must apply, and are eligible to receive a full tuition scholarship. Two other Springs students participated, Trace Parker of FAPA, who graduated in June and Parker Carl, a Homeschool student. The program takes place during the AirVenture Air Show, the largest annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts.
Ashton enjoyed flying with an instructor, visiting the EAA museum and helping build an airplane. Ashton noted, “I was able to experience several different areas in aviation such as flight, construction, navigation and maintenance.”
After he finishes school, Ashton plans to enter the U.S. Marine Corps as an officer. He’s pleased to be starting his second year at Magnolia, and came to the school after experiencing “constant fighting and bullying” in his previous school.
In addition to aviation, Ashton enjoys airsoft, cowboy action shooting and taekwondo.
