NEWS |
145-00: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , October 24, 2000
Queens Borough President Claire Shulman said, "The Port Authority and the Board of Education have developed a program to facilitate the transition of students from high school to the business world, gaining hands-on experience coupled with classroom instruction. I want to thank Aviation High School Principal Eileen Taylor for never letting the bureaucracy beat her and Port Authority Executive Director Robert Boyle for his vision."
The new $800,000 high school annex is in Kennedy Airport Building 141, formerly the location of the airport's administrative offices. The Port Authority has provided the space and funded most of the project. Students and teachers this morning attended ceremonies that featured the Aviation High School Color Guard as well as a tour of the new facility.
"JFK is one of the first airports in the world to have this kind of training facility for public high school students right on its premises." said William R. DeCota, Director of Aviation for the Port Authority. "Now students preparing for careers in the aviation industry will have the opportunity to learn their crafts in the appropriate professional environment."
Upon completing the school's regular four-year program, top students will be given the opportunity to spend an extra year at the new annex, where they will work on state-of-the-art aircraft technology, some of which is unavailable at the school's main campus.
"The students will also be able to pursue internships with several participating JFK airlines," Mr. DeCota said. "The goal is for students to achieve professional licensing, leading in turn to profitable careers in this expanding field."
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said, "Young people throughout New York City will benefit academically from having this world-class facility for training students in the field of aviation at America's premier international gateway. I want to thank the Port Authority, the aviation industry at Kennedy Airport and the JFK Chamber of Commerce for creating new opportunities for students throughout the region."
Charles Seliga, General Manager of Kennedy Airport said, "This is a wonderful opportunity for public and private organizations to work together to improve people's lives and train the next generation of aviation workers. That's why we've invited organizations in the airport community and in the aviation industry to join with the Port Authority and others in supporting the school by contributing funds, equipment and services."
United Airlines, Graf & Lewent Architects, Ove Arup Engineers, Morse Diesel Construction Management Services, KeySpan Energy Solutions and Brooklyn Union Gas led private sector participation in the project. Funding commitments also were made by the JFK Chamber of Commerce and other members of the airport community.
The John F. Kennedy International Airport Chamber of Commerce was chartered in 1978 by businesses operating at and around the airport to address common concerns. The members of the chamber represent a variety of large and small businesses, including airlines, suppliers, construction firms, banks and contractors.
Aviation High School is a fully-accredited New York City public school. For 63 years the school has worked in partnership with the aviation industry to prepare students for careers in aviation. Many successful graduates now work at JFK and the Port Authority's other two airports, Newark International and LaGuardia.