The Aviation High School inaugural class of 2008 landed and taxied into position today as educators and government officials gathered at King County International Airport to welcome a new generation of pioneers.

The group of freshman exited a variety of aircraft at Boeing Field and joined officials, educators and aviation business leaders to celebrate the formation of the first comprehensive four-year aviation high school in the nation. The innovative high school will officially open its doors to 100 students this fall with Boeing Field and more than 150 aviation businesses serving as the laboratory for the school.

"It’s been nearly four years since we said, what are we waiting for – what better place than Boeing Field, the birthplace of modern aviation – to create the nation’s first, four-year high school devoted to flight," King County Executive Ron Sims said. "So, the journey began to create the three-way synergy between government, education and industry that we see today. This new Aviation High School will not only be an exciting opportunity for kids dreaming of soaring in space, but it will also cultivate the type of talent that will help this region expand its competitive edge in attracting aviation-related industries."

Highline Public Schools is partnering with South Seattle Community College to run the school. The school will initially operate at the north end of Boeing Field at the college’s Duwamish Campus on East Marginal Way South. Any student with a passion for aviation and aerospace may apply to attend, and can come from any school district. Course offerings will fulfill all standard high school requirements, but all subjects will revolve around an aviation theme and emphasize math, science and technology. In addition to credentialed teaching staff, local aviation leaders will be recruited to serve as instructors and mentors.

"The aviation industry is such a major player in the Highline community and economy," said Dr. Joe McGeehan, Superintendent of Highline Public Schools. "Aviation High School will not only engage students in an area of study that interests them, it will provide highly skilled employees for Highline-based industry.

Aviation High School will open its doors in September 2004 with a class of 100 ninth-graders. A new freshman class will be added each year, until the school reaches its capacity of 400 students in ninth through twelfth grades. Among the contributions supporting the school is a $6.5 million grant from the Port of Seattle that will help fund capital improvements over the next ten years.

A scholarship fund has also been established in memory of Dan Hartley, former Boeing Company employee and president of SPEEA, who passed away earlier this year. During the next four years, the scholarship fund will grow and be awarded to graduating students who best represent Mr. Hartley’s love and dedication to aviation.