Adopt-A-Pilot program takes flight at Mustang school
Eric Bradshaw
A Mustang resident graduated Mrs. Christy King’s fifth grade class from the Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot program after spending a day each week for four weeks giving them a presentation of real world applications of math and science.
Bill Harnly, a pilot with Southwest Airlines, was only too pleased to participate, having encouraged his daughter’s school, Mustang Trails, to take on the four-week mentorship program in which pilots volunteer their time and correspond from the “road” via electronic mail and postcards.
“I love the program and will continue coming here as long as the school will have me back,” Harnly said. “It’s great to see the kids show excitement about math and science. I think the real world applications are helpful to them. It’s not their typical day studying at the school.”
Harnly spent his time in class discussing the science of flying, incorporating the study of gravity and lift and conducting a few experiments in class. He also tried to present them with an idea of how other professionals that help run Southwest Airlines, such as flight and gate attendants, use math and science in their daily work.
“When I was away,” Harnly said, “They tracked my trips. They calculate the miles and the teacher has them do reports on the cities that I visit.”
The Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot program will reach more than 30,000 students nationwide this semester. The program has been recognized by former Secretary of State Colin Powell as a significant contribution to the community.
Next year, Harnly says he hopes to continue with the program and come to his daughter Sydni's class, who is now a fourth grader at the school.
Eric Bradshaw
A Mustang resident graduated Mrs. Christy King’s fifth grade class from the Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot program after spending a day each week for four weeks giving them a presentation of real world applications of math and science.
Bill Harnly, a pilot with Southwest Airlines, was only too pleased to participate, having encouraged his daughter’s school, Mustang Trails, to take on the four-week mentorship program in which pilots volunteer their time and correspond from the “road” via electronic mail and postcards.
“I love the program and will continue coming here as long as the school will have me back,” Harnly said. “It’s great to see the kids show excitement about math and science. I think the real world applications are helpful to them. It’s not their typical day studying at the school.”
Harnly spent his time in class discussing the science of flying, incorporating the study of gravity and lift and conducting a few experiments in class. He also tried to present them with an idea of how other professionals that help run Southwest Airlines, such as flight and gate attendants, use math and science in their daily work.
“When I was away,” Harnly said, “They tracked my trips. They calculate the miles and the teacher has them do reports on the cities that I visit.”
The Southwest Airlines Adopt-A-Pilot program will reach more than 30,000 students nationwide this semester. The program has been recognized by former Secretary of State Colin Powell as a significant contribution to the community.
Next year, Harnly says he hopes to continue with the program and come to his daughter Sydni's class, who is now a fourth grader at the school.
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