Heritage Academy aviation program "taking off"
Heritage Academy, located in Monterey, Tenn., introduced its missionary aviation program a year and a half ago. As time passes and interest increases, the aviation program continues to gain momentum.
Five students completed the program last year, while fourteen were enrolled in ground school. Program growth is limited only by flight instructor Sam Miller's time constraints—he also teaches history and math. Only four students receive actual flight training during a given year.
The school not only gives students flight training, but also helps them make personal contacts that help them pursue mission aviation careers in the future. Adventist World Aviation provides the program with a plane.
Brandon Lamphier, a recent graduate, attended Heritage Academy specifically because of its missionary aviation program.
"The program really developed my love for aviation," he says. Brandon plans to go to medical school and become a medical missionary pilot.
Heritage Academy administrators Doug and Debbie Baker gave an interview on the Adventist Mission exhibit hall stage during the GC Session. "Disaster relief training is another unique aspect of the educational program at Heritage," says Doug. "It's a way to train students for service, as well as to give them hands on experience. Our students become FEMA certified as first responders."
Heritage Academy students gave disaster relief assistance at many of the recent large disaster sites, including Hurricane Katrina and the recent Mississippi tornadoes. You can find out more about Heritage Academy at their booth in the OCI village at the GC Session exhibit hall.
Visit the Heritage Academy website.