HomeMy WebLinkAboutLaurel Aviation & TechnologyLaurel Aviation and Technology Week Overview
Laurel Aviation and Technology Educational Awareness Week was inaugurated in 1991,
the idea of a few middle school teachers. It has been held every 2 years except for the
millennium year. This one-of-a-kind educational event has grown beyond expectations
and the fifth edition was held in May - 2001. The guiding vision for the event has been
to create an educational program that would showcase cutting-edge aviation and
technology development for students. In addition it provided an opportunity to honor our
military sen/ices.
Some 17,000 students and aduIls from south-central Montana, northern Wyoming, and
parts of North Dakota were able to be part of the experience this past spring. The event
is free of charge and financing is accomplished through corporate participation and
donations, community volunteers and the tireless, on-going cooperation and support
from Federal and State governments, the military sen/ices, civil air patrol units and civil
aviatiomg'rou ps.- ................
During the week, Laurel students (K-12 - 1750 strong) explore the latest in aviation and
technology developments and explore associated career paths. Over 100 speakers
participate from a wide range of corporate and government sources. By the end of the
week, over 104 static ground displays are in place. Exhibits, from a wide range of
applied sciences and technologies, fill the high school and throughout the grounds.
During the final 2 days of the week, bus load after bus load of students stream in to
Laurel to visit the displays, aircraft on the ground and to watch the many flyovers.' Of
course the flyovers are the most exciting part of the week. Through the cooperation of
the FAA, airspace over the Laurel airport is closed to allow for systematic scheduling of
the aircraft. This past spring some 70 aircraft participated.
On the school grounds: Chinook, Black Hawk, Apache, Marine H53, and civilian
helicopters. Flyovers included: F18, F16, KC135, C141, KC10, B1 Bomber, C130, T-
38, and F-14. The week culminated in a spectacular appearance and flyover of the B2
Stealth Bomber ftown by a hometown boy!!
As can be imagined, the organization of such an event is nothing short of monumental.
It could not be accomplished without the generous participation and support of our
community. There are no words to describe this event adequately or the impact it ~as
on the students.
Corporate, civilian and military participants each time are impressed with the event, not
only for its size and scope, but thal its only focus is the students and their educational
experience. Military crews from around the nation who have been part of the event once
clamor to be asked back! Laurel Schools is convinced that this event is not matched
anywhere else and is anxious to share its success.