Oshkosh, WI – It took a lot of bake sales and car washes, but seven members of the dedicated Aviators group from Wathen Aviation High School, made it to Oshkosh. The group’s one-word summary for a week’s immersion in AirVenture: “great”. They were surprised by the size of the event, entranced with the arrival of the A380 Airbus, fascinated by the diversity of homebuilt aircraft on the field and pleased with their experiences as daily volunteers to the event.
Their efforts were assisted by EAA Chapter 252, which offered campground space and sleeping bags to the boys, while EAA Chapter 444, provided accommodations for the two girls. By volunteering, each student was provided with two meals a day. They joined their hometown EAA Chapter One for one dinner and were guests at the Young Eagles dinner on another night.
Their enthusiasm for the experiences they encountered was unmistakable and they all kept themselves busy from sunrise to long after dark.
Thomas Wathen, founder of the Wathen Foundation which supports the Wathen High School, said “it’s exciting to watch these young people discover the many aviation activities and careers on display at AirVenture. It’s apparent that these kids are making some career choices of their own during their busy week on this airport. They’ll be bringing and sharing a lot of knowledge with their peers in Riverside.”
Several of the students said they would begin making plans immediately upon their return home to raise enough money to make the trip again next year with more of their fellow students. Anyone wishing to contribute to The Aviators’ AirVenture 2010 fund can call Kathy Rohm at 951.683.2309, ext 104, or visit www.flabob.org.
