As I attended the Fall Open House at our Nassau County Schools, I was exicted about the plans being made for Science Fairs involving teachers, students and community volunteers. Science Fair dates are being scheduled, students are viewing sample displays and learning about requirements for successful projects, and recruitment for Science Fair judges is in full swing.

In particular, members of Friends of Fernandina Aviation (FOFA) frequently serve as judges and visit science and math classrooms on a regular basis. Their interactive and informative classroom presentations are received enthusiastically by middle and high school students. As an example, their program for sixth grade students includes a discussion of the principles of flight as well as an introduction to the design and production of airplanes. Students learn how to plan a flight, chart a course, and the considerations that must be given to the impact of weather on those flight plans. Students learn about the aviation community's method of communication and the FAA rules and regulations enforced to insure the safety of airline passengers.

FOFA volunteers share first hand experiences about their careers in aviation and impress upon our students the personal attributes and academic skills required for employment in the aviation industry. The partnership of FOFA was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Aerospace Engineering Program at Fernandina Beach High School. Students enrolled in the multi-year program delve further into the science and physics of flight as they prepare to chose careers in aviation. Flight simulators allow students to engage with a variety of aircraft and airports throughout the world. Participating students build rockets, video and analyze their successes and failures, tour facilities at our local airport and explore the FSCJ programs available for multiple aviation career paths.

FOFA's support of students who pursue a career in an aviation-related field includes a scholarship program in which students throughout the county are invited to participate. FOFA budgets $2000 per year for each of the county public high schools for a total annual award of $8000. Since 2012, FOFA has distributed $24,000 in scholarships to Nassau County seniors. The FOFA scholarship is open to any deserving high school senior attending a Nassau County public high school who is seeking to pursue a career or vocation in an aviation-related field. A total monetary award of $2000 for each scholarship winner is provided toward the financial cost of any accredited college/university, learning institution or approved vocational/technical school. The student must chose a course leading to a bachelor's degree, associate's degree or a certificate of completion in an aviation-related course of study. Information about the FOFA scholarship completion is available from high school guidance counselors and interested students are encouraged to apply. Students can also find the FOFA scholarship information at http://fofaviation.com.

Along with all members of the Nassau County School Board, I would like to recognize and thank the members of the FOFA for contributing their time, talent and resources to support and enhance our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs. Your presentations serve as a model of school-community partnerships that provide a lasting impact on the lives of the students of Nassau County.