SCHOOLING IN THE SKY

For students with an aptitude for altitude, the Southwest Aeronautics, Mathematics and Science Academy is the place to be. The free, public charter school has been operational for the past 10 years, and students have access to resources that can help them earn their private pilot certificate while taking regular high school classes.

Before students are permitted to fly a plane without an instructor, there are years of prep that go into ensuring a safe and educational process. “We integrate the aviation components across all of the grade levels, but you can’t fly the plane solo until you’re 16,” says Chief Flight Instructor and Aeronautics Director Lauren Chavez. “It’s the only school in the country where you can get a free pilot certificate.”

Although the flight aspect of the curriculum is a big part of SAMS, students aren’t forced to partake in that feature of this unique education—it’s more of a perk that can ultimately save them $15,000 should they decide to go to flight school later on.

SAMS is committed to helping their students, and Chavez says that she’s never been part of a school where the teachers and administrators care so much about their students on such a personal level. “We have some students with learning disabilities or students that come from low-income households, and they can still become pilots,” she says. “We’re giving them a serious career start before they even graduate from high school, so it’s awesome to have that impact on their lives.” —ET

Faith Ortega

AGE: 8 SCHOOL: Hope Christian School TOTALLY INTO: Gymnastics, Spaghetti, Archery NOT A FAN OF: Sharing with her sister FUTURE PLANS: To be on the Oklahoma University gymnastics team and go to the Olympics HER STORY: Faith came into the world a little bit differently than most, but a persistent spirit has guided her to outstanding achievements and a shining personality. “Since before she was born, she has kind of been faced with adversity,” says her mom Brandice. Faith had to wear a corrective helmet as a baby, is legally blind (she wears high prescription lenses), and has severe food allergies, but she hasn’t let any of those things impact her life.

“What’s so amazing about Faith is the fact that she gives 110% in everything she does,” says her mom. The tenacious second-grader with Olympic-level aspirations is quite the perfectionist, which her mom says is why Faith is so successful in whatever she sets her mind to. —ET