Helping Arroyo Grande High School students soar

I wanted to take a moment to share a very positive and exciting development that I am proud to be part of. The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Airports and the Lucia Mar Unified School District have partnered to launch a new Aviation Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway at Arroyo Grande High School, set to begin in the 2025–2026 school year.

The idea began when I heard a community member say, “The airport isn’t connected to the community.” That stuck with me. I started asking the question: how do we change that?

In aviation circles, I had been following the work of the Bob Hoover Academy in Salinas, founded by airshow legend Sean Tucker. Their program uses aviation to motivate and uplift at-risk youth. It struck me as the answer we were looking for.

I shared the idea with Mayor Caren Ray Russom who immediately saw its potential and connected me with Dr. Paul Fawcett. That early conversation helped set the course for what is now a program ready for students right here in South County.

I truly appreciate Courtney Johnson, director of airports, whose vision has been a driving force in bringing aviation deeper into our community. Her leadership has not only expanded flight options but opened doors for local students to pursue real career paths.

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View Original Publication: Cal Coast News