Trans Tech Academy
Located at Cardozo Senior High School, Washington DC
Aviation Hero Inspires Cardozo High School Youth to Dream and Soar
The First African American Aviator to Fly Solo around the World Motivates Youth to Consider Aviation Career
Thursday, February 12
On February 12, 2009, Cardozo Senior High School featured an assembly with the inspiration Barrington Irving, the youngest person and the first African American to fly solo around the world.. More than 150 students were in attendance. After the assembly, Mr. Irving interacted with students one-on-one hoping inspiring them to consider aviation as a possible career.
BACKGROUND: On June 27th, 2007, 23-year-old Barrington Irving secured his place in history as the first black pilot and youngest person ever to fly solo around the globe. Thousands of students and well-wishers were on hand when he took off from Miami on March 23rd in the single-engine aircraft It took him three months to fly 30,000 miles covering four continents encountering thunderstorms, snow storms, icing, sand storms and monsoons.
“I believe the sponsorship by MHIA will allow me to get my educational and motivational message out to a growing number of students and to introduce them to careers in aviation. I want to show them that pursuing a career in this exciting industry can enable them to realize their dreams – just as I did,” says Mr. Irving.
Irving is the founder of the Miami-based Experience Aviation program. The non-profit was founded in 2003 to build math, science, reading and problem solving skills for young people. Mr. Irving has received numerous U.S. and international awards for his role-model-for-youth initiatives.
In December 2007, the United States Congress passed a Resolution honoring Barrington and his achievement and acknowledging his pioneering work in the field of aviation education. In February 2008, members of Congress presented him with the Resolution at a ceremony on Capitol Hill. In April, the Florida State Senate presented him with their highest honor, the Medallion of Excellence.
“We were pleased that this young aviator came to speak to our students,” said Ms. Shirley McCall director of the TransTech Academy at Cardozo HS. “He was a great source of inspiration for our students, especially those students who have an interest in aviation transportation.”
The First African American Aviator to Fly Solo around the World Motivates Youth to Consider Aviation Career
Thursday, February 12
On February 12, 2009, Cardozo Senior High School featured an assembly with the inspiration Barrington Irving, the youngest person and the first African American to fly solo around the world.. More than 150 students were in attendance. After the assembly, Mr. Irving interacted with students one-on-one hoping inspiring them to consider aviation as a possible career.BACKGROUND: On June 27th, 2007, 23-year-old Barrington Irving secured his place in history as the first black pilot and youngest person ever to fly solo around the globe. Thousands of students and well-wishers were on hand when he took off from Miami on March 23rd in the single-engine aircraft It took him three months to fly 30,000 miles covering four continents encountering thunderstorms, snow storms, icing, sand storms and monsoons.
“I believe the sponsorship by MHIA will allow me to get my educational and motivational message out to a growing number of students and to introduce them to careers in aviation. I want to show them that pursuing a career in this exciting industry can enable them to realize their dreams – just as I did,” says Mr. Irving.
Irving is the founder of the Miami-based Experience Aviation program. The non-profit was founded in 2003 to build math, science, reading and problem solving skills for young people. Mr. Irving has received numerous U.S. and international awards for his role-model-for-youth initiatives.
In December 2007, the United States Congress passed a Resolution honoring Barrington and his achievement and acknowledging his pioneering work in the field of aviation education. In February 2008, members of Congress presented him with the Resolution at a ceremony on Capitol Hill. In April, the Florida State Senate presented him with their highest honor, the Medallion of Excellence.
“We were pleased that this young aviator came to speak to our students,” said Ms. Shirley McCall director of the TransTech Academy at Cardozo HS. “He was a great source of inspiration for our students, especially those students who have an interest in aviation transportation.”
