Celebrate Freedom, SOaR brings STEM asset to Southern Alamance High

Story and photo
by Ron Toland

Raleigh Recruiting Battalion

     Students at Southern Alamance High School in Graham, N.C. were treated to having an AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter visit their school, Sept 23, supporting the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), education process.

     With the Celebrate Freedom Foundation, the students were able to get up-close with the chopper through a program called Project SOaR – student/school opportunities and rewards.

     The Celebrate Freedom Foundation tours southeastern state high schools, generating interest in STEM subjects and educating students on the importance of them and how they connect the classroom to real-world global jobs and careers.

     And students at the school loved it.

     “It is really cool to see and have the hands-on experience with real-world technology and how it ties in with other skills and experiences,” said Kiara Vanhook, a senior at the school who is enlisting in the military after graduation as a military police or animal care specialist.

     SOaR connects the dots for the students and shows the importance of education and staying in school.

     “It really shows how jobs, STEM and technology are tied together. It helps a lot,” said Vanhook.

     “It is a real attention getter and brings the real-world to the students,” said career development coordinator, Pam Smith.

     “Careers in STEM hits all topics in different careers,” she said. “And it demonstrates the importance of possessing the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.”

     The benefits of the asset are a real magnet for recruiting.

     “With this asset we allow students to hear options about the Army and careers that we offer,” said Staff Sgt. Chad Owen, from the Burlington Recruiting Station.

     “The men and women gave insight on how many different jobs are needed to make the helicopter run.  It also gave insight in the benefits that service members receive while serving in the Army.”

     Owens also said that the tie-in to education and careers is important.

     “This gives students knowledge how they can get a career started and have their education paid for them,” he said.