Not Your Average High School Club

By Hayden Danielowicz

In the southeast corner of Wisconsin, nestled beside Westosha Central High School, lies an unassuming one-car garage. No gleaming chrome hot rods hum within, but within its humble walls takes flight a soaring ambition: the Eagle’s Nest Project. Forget your run-of-the-mill school clubs; this is a launchpad for young minds, a beacon of opportunity amidst the sea of routine. But what ignites this program’s spark? What sets it apart from countless after-school pursuits?

The answer lies not in textbooks, but in riveted aluminum. The Eagle’s Nest Project offers an unparalleled immersion into the captivating world of aircraft construction. Forget static displays and theoretical equations; here, students dive headfirst into the intricate choreography of assembling a Van’s RV-12iS. It’s a symphony of teamwork, where minds meet metal, fueled by the shared thrill of creation.

Each rivet hammered, each wire soldered is a testament to the power of hands-on learning. With every wrench turn and torque calculation, students don’t just build an airplane; they build confidence, forge resilience, and sculpt critical thinking skills that soar far beyond the confines of the garage. And as the sleek form of the RV-12iS takes shape, so too does the realization: in this unassuming space, the dreams of young aviators take flight, ready to navigate the boundless skies of possibility.

I’m Hayden Danielowicz, a senior and a passionate participant of the Eagle’s Nest Project for over a year, a program that transcends the traditional boundaries of a school club. This initiative serves as a vital bridge to the intricate world of aerospace engineering, offering a rich platform where essential skills like leadership, communication, and teamwork are not merely taught but actively embodied and applied. Rooted in a curriculum that emphasizes learning through practical engagement, the project allows us to construct and even pilot the sophisticated Van’s RV-12iS aircraft, embedding hands-on experience as the program’s fundamental ethos. Since joining in the fall of 2022, every moment has deepened my fascination with aviation, surpassing initial expectations through its intensive and immersive approach. Each rivet, panel, and instrument we install is not just part of an aircraft; it symbolizes our growth and dedication, molding our aspirations into tangible reality. This journey has not only fueled my passion for flight but also cemented my resolve to advance in the field of aerospace engineering, aspiring to contribute significantly to the design and development of the marvels that grace our skies.

The program’s uniqueness resonates with each member, each bringing their unique background and aspirations. Coren Bracey, a senior member, was drawn to the program due to a familial connection, his grandfather being an engineer in the Air Force. Coren is not just carrying on a family legacy but also expanding his mechanical knowledge, something he values greatly. Austin Pohjola, influenced by his parents, discovered a passion for the program, finding joy in the blend of learning and camaraderie. His involvement goes beyond building aircraft; he’s also enrolled in Ground School, a testament to the program’s comprehensive approach to aviation education.

Jack Griffey’s journey with the Eagle’s Nest Project began with a pleasant surprise, expecting a model airplane club and finding himself in a real aircraft-building endeavor. His enthusiasm for flying and the program’s communal spirit highlight the club’s multifaceted appeal. The program’s annual trip to EAA Airventure in Oshkosh is not just a fun excursion but a vital initiative for funding and promoting the program. Volunteers from the program, camping nearby, balance their time between enjoying the event and advocating for the project, a reflection of their dedication and the program’s community spirit.

Jakob Loecher, one of the newer members, views the club as a stepping stone to a promising future in engineering. His pragmatic approach towards the skills acquired in the club underlines its relevance and immediate applicability, whether it’s for advancing in a professional engineering career or pursuing a pilot’s license.

The Eagle’s Nest Project is not just soaring into the skies but also into a future filled with broader horizons. As the initiative spreads its wings with the development of the STEM Aviation Center at Burlington Wisconsin airport, it exemplifies a commitment to nurturing the next generation of aviation pioneers and innovators. This expansion is a clarion call for community involvement and support, emphasizing the project’s foundational belief in growth through inclusivity. The project’s multifaceted approach, blending hands-on aerospace training with community-driven initiatives like sweepstakes, casts a vision where the legacy of personal aviation and technological innovation is not just preserved but propelled forward.

The collective narrative of the Eagle’s Nest Project, interwoven with the dreams and accomplishments of its members, stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. It epitomizes the essence of education that transcends textbooks, where learning is not confined within the walls of a classroom but is an expansive journey that cultivates knowledge, hones skills, and fosters a robust community. Here, every endeavor is about building more than aircraft; it’s about crafting futures, nurturing aspirations, and empowering a community of young, driven individuals who are ready to chart new territories in aerospace and engineering.

In spring 2024, ENP WI is embarking on an exciting project to establish a STEM Aviation Center at Burlington Wisconsin airport. To realize this vision, we are reaching out to the community for local sponsorships, aimed at financing the construction of a hangar at the airport. In appreciation of your support, the names of all donors will be prominently displayed on our hangar. For sponsorship inquiries or further information about our project, please reach out to senftj@westosha.k12.wi.us or visit our website at www.falconaviation.org.

Additionally, we are thrilled to announce a sweepstakes event, featuring fantastic prizes including a pair of New Bose A30 headsets or the option of $2000 in cash, an iPad Mini equipped with ForeFlight or a $500 cash prize, and a Waypoint Flight bag or $100 in cash. To participate and for more details, visit our sweepstakes page at https://rafflecreator.com/pages/ 63842/2024-bose-a30-headset-sweepstake.

Your contribution is more than just a donation; it’s an investment in the future, fostering the spirit of innovation and the thrill of personal aviation for the next generation of students. We sincerely appreciate your support and look forward to making a meaningful impact together.