A Passion for Flight

Here's one example of a student project with some exciting outcomes. Jonah Wayman, a 6th grader at Williston Central School chose to study electric planes for his end of year Genius Hour project. After reaching out to a local expert, he connected with Beta Technologies, an electric airline company in South Burlington. On Wednesday he had the experience of a lifetime! This will have a very positive impact on his research.

WCS Humanities teachers Jared Bailey and Joy Peterson provided some highlights of Jonah's experience. 

Jonah (and Jared too!): 

• was flown in a helicopter by the pilot of Barack Obama's Marine One
• looked through the two prototype planes they currently operate (one cargo, one passenger)
• used the flight simulator
• met the engineering team and flight team
• had lunch with the staff
• toured the scale model lab

The company is also planning a flyover of WCS for the learning team's open house on Friday, June 11th with two electric planes and the helicopter.

The Williston Observer shared this story about the experience with more information about Beta Technologies. Note the similarities between Jonah and their CEO! 

Thanks to Jared Bailey for the photos!