[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 102 (Friday, July 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE STUDENTS OF THE AVIATION YOUTH ACADEMY SUMMER 
                                  CAMP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2006

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the students 
and advisors of the Central Missouri State University's Aviation Youth 
Academy Summer Camp. On Saturday, July 29, 2006, they will celebrate 
their inaugural graduating class. This camp provides inner-city youth 
with a unique perspective on potential careers available in aviation. 
The youth academy has a total of 27 members in the camp, all from the 
Kansas City metropolitan area, of which, two are graduating this year.
  The Aviation Youth Summer Camp focuses on introducing diverse, 
multicultural, and under-represented children to aviation, by providing 
hands-on knowledge and exposure to both aeronautical science and flight 
training. The camp fosters the personal development of leadership, 
character, physical health, and academic achievement. Their goal is to 
train the youth of today for the opportunities of tomorrow.
  The Aviation Youth Academy Summer Camp is a 7-day residential camp 
taught by Central Missouri State University's aviation faculty and 
certified flight instructors. The camp fosters many practical 
activities with motivational speakers, team-building exercises, 
diversity training, and exposure to a collegiate environment and 
academic programs.
  Camp participants strive to achieve their goals through collaboration 
with experts in the field of aviation, including those in the Central 
Missouri State University Aviation Department. Each student will leave 
equipped with the knowledge of what is recommended in a high school 
curriculum in order to study aviation at the college level.
  In addition, participants obtain information about college 
applications, scholarships, and financial aid applications.
  Saturday, July 29, 2006, marks a tremendous triumph for the program 
as the first two students to complete the 3-year program will graduate. 
Those two students are Brandon Smith, who will be a senior this year at 
Lee's Summit West High School, and Markhum Rucker, who will be a senior 
at Heart of America Charter School. They both plan to attend college, 
benefiting from strong parental support and a great interest in 
aviation.
  These two graduates and the remaining participants honor the noble 
tradition of the Tuskegee Airmen who walked before them. It was in the 
skies above Europe over 50 years ago that those brave men fought for 
equality abroad while lacking it at home. Among those speaking during 
the Aviation Youth Academy's summer program included Mr. Ormer Rogers, 
Jr., past president of the Heart of America Chapter of the Tuskegee 
Airmen and Harvey McCormick and Harvey Bayliss, two of the original 
Tuskegee Airmen.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in expressing our congratulations to the 
participants of the Aviation Youth Academy Summer Camp and the faculty 
and staff of Central Missouri State University for dedicating their 
time and services to the inner-city youth of Kansas City. It is 
essential for members of the Aviation Youth Academy and other youth 
organizations to be celebrated and commended for their work. Today, the 
109th Congress honors them for their achievements.

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