Virginia’s Hillsboro Charter Academy Inspires the Next Generation of Aviators

On November 6, Hillsboro Charter Academy (HCA) in Hillsboro, Va., launched its 10th annual Flight Funday Fest with a day of high-flying inspiration, hands-on learning, and historic connections to space exploration. The celebration marked the kickoff of the school’s year-long Flight Funday Class, a K–5 aviation and aerospace program designed to immerse young scholars in STEM education through real-world applications in flight and aerospace.

This year’s event was extraordinary, highlighted by a live virtual Q&A with Apollo 13 Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise, who shared firsthand experiences from one of the most dramatic and celebrated missions in NASA history. At 91, Haise is one of only 24 humans to have traveled to the Moon. During his session, he answered students’ questions on space travel, engineering problem-solving, and the teamwork required during the Apollo 13 mission. He also reflected on his later role as commander of the Space Shuttle Enterprise, offering students a unique perspective on the evolution of human spaceflight.

AFA Leadership and STEM Champions at the Forefront

The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) was represented by Virginia State President Mike Maxwell and his wife, Priscilla, a retired educator, both attending in support of Megan Tucker, HCA’s STEAM Specialist and Dean of Curriculum. Tucker, a Gabriel Chapter member and recognized nationally as AFA’s 2021 Rolls-Royce Teacher of the Year and serving as a National Education Ambassador, has been a driving force in developing the school’s immersive aerospace program.

Also attending was Susan Mallett, member of the AFA National Education Council and a representative from Civil Air Patrol (CAP) National Headquarters. Mallett delivered the event’s opening address, inspiring students to explore the vast opportunities within aviation and aerospace. “Aviation touches nearly every career field,” she told the students. “As you imagine your futures, keep your minds open to all possibilities. There might be other paths better suited for you.”

“Our goal is to bring complex science concepts to life, inspire future aerospace leaders, and highlight the importance of teamwork—within careers, between organizations, and across our community,” she said.

Hands-On STEM in Action

The Flight Funday Class incorporates CAP’s Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) curriculum, along with flight simulators, engineering design challenges, and hands-on physical science lessons presented through an aviation lens. During the event, students engaged in immersive experiences with over 30 community partners, including:

• Kuhn Aviation helicopter demonstration: Students toured a rotorcraft and learned about aviation careers from Scott Kuhn, president of Kuhn Aviation.
• Drone technology presentations: Master Deputy Matt Devaney from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team showcased how drones support public safety missions.
• Navigation lessons: Pilots Hannah Rust and Brian Tucker taught students to read sectional charts, while air traffic controller Matthew Zobel explained how aircraft navigate safely through busy airspace and inclement weather.
• Career spotlights: Young aerobatic pilot and entrepreneur Amelia Anderson, just 20 years old, shared insights on turning passion into profession.

These experiences were designed to show students the myriad ways aviation and aerospace intersect with everyday life and career paths.

“There are aviation-related career opportunities in medicine, agriculture, photography, avionics, engineering, and so much more,” Mallett told the students during the opening assembly. “Everyone cannot be the pilot, but all the related aviation and space support careers open infinite opportunities for young people to explore and pursue.” 

Community Collaboration Elevates Learning

Over 30 community partners, including CAP volunteers, AFA members, aviation organizations, and local leaders, contributed to the day’s success. This network of expertise and support extends beyond a single day, ensuring students have sustained access to real-world aviation instruction and career exploration throughout the year.

To cap off the event, two aircraft performed a skywriting demonstration over the campus, creating a giant smiley face in the sky.

Advancing AFA’s Mission in the Classroom

Through its partnerships with AFA, CAP, STEAM4Space, Women in Aviation International, Rolls-Royce, and local aviation groups, HCA exemplifies how schools and community organizations can work together to promote aerospace education and inspire the next generation of air and space professionals. Tucker noted that Flight Funday Fest exemplifies the “buy-in of making school relevant,” giving students the opportunity to experience learning that is tangible, exciting, and connected to the broader community.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Hillsboro Charter Academy continues to serve as a model for hands-on, STEAM-focused K–5 education in Loudoun County Public Schools, integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math into a curriculum that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

“It’s a big day of community, and the kids see that it’s bigger than just our school,” Tucker said. “It’s a whole group of people coming together to do something awesome for our scholars.”

HCA’s Flight Funday Fest not only inspires young learners but also demonstrates the power of collaboration, mentorship, and visionary education in shaping the next generation of aerospace leaders.

Maxwell said that Virginia AFA has been proud to support Tucker and HCA through grants, speakers, and support as Tucker co-leads educator professional development on behalf of the AFA.  “The collaborative efforts of the Virginia AFA and Megan Tucker are indicative of the mission of the AFA- to support educators in perpetuating aviation and space career exploration education programs nationwide,” he said.