Ethan Coles ’20 recently attended Aviation Challenge - Mach III at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. The weeklong educational program promotes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), while training students and adults with hands-on activities and missions based on teamwork, leadership, and problem solving.  

The Aviation Challenge - Mach III Program is specifically designed for students who have an interest in military aviation and the mechanics of flight. Instructors use fighter pilot training techniques to engage trainees in real-world applications of STEM subjects.

Ethan, who will enter the 10th grade in the fall, spent the week training with a team that flew a simulated F-18 fighter jet. After mastering critical land- and water-survival skills and Top Gun flying maneuvers, Ethan and his crew graduated from the program with honors.