An instrumental partner is longtime educator and aviation board leader, Jim McKinney. “For the past fifty years, I have seen the potential for young people in aviation. I have had a strong desire to do something to share my enthusiasm with young men and women interested in aviation. When the opportunity came along to develop a high school aviation program, I was excited to share my vision with the local school administration.” McKinney expressed he was elated that his vision had materialized and has been successful since its introduction. “It was with their support that my dream for creating a high school aviation program could come to fruition. I am grateful for the opportunity that has been awarded me to work with these young men and women, and to share my passion for flying.”
The other partnering individuals include MRCC Director Mike Ripperger, Aviation Teacher Scott Simpson, Aviation Maintenance Teacher Jeff McLaughlin, and former Marion School Board Member Dr. Harry Hall.
The MRCC Aviation Academy is made possible through the MRCC, City of Marion, Marion Municipal Airport, Air Marion, & the Jim McKinney Air & Space Foundation. In March, a press release through Marion Community Schools stated, “these partners see aviation as a growing area and one of the keys to attracting new businesses to Grant County.”
MRCC Director Mike Ripperger says the program is enhancing on its own while also assisting in the development of a nationwide 4-year curriculum through the AOPA (Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association). Marion was chosen two years ago as 1 of 150 schools to assist the AOPA which, once completed, will be available to all schools. Very few schools in Indiana have an aviation program. Ripperger explained they utilize local resources to help prepare students for careers. “MRCC is always looking for new opportunities to provide students with jobs. The Aviation industry is looking at a shortage of employees in a couple years. Marion offers a quality program that few schools offer. Without this partnership, the program wouldn’t be possible.”
Marion Mayor Jess Alumbaugh expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort. “The City of Marion values our partnership with Marion Community Schools and the Marion Airport. The Aviation Academy provides a special career pathway for our area high school students and prepares them for a lifetime of success.”
Students may enroll in Aviation/Flight Operations or Aviation Mechanics. There is also Intro to Aviation. Currently, 4 students are enrolled in Operations, 11 in mechanics, and 5 are taking Intro. Official drone certification is planned to be offered next year. The MRCC offers 16 programs overall, with more on the brink. The Career Center’s Cybersecurity & IT Academy also received an award of excellence this year from the IDOE.
