Shawnee, One of 58 High Schools Teaching Aerospace In OK

Eliana Rao, Kourgar Simons and Chris Larney launch a tissue paper hot air balloon they created in the Shawnee High School Performing Arts and Activities Center. This was one project done this year in the "Launching Into Aviation" class. Photo provided by Joshua Watson.
Eliana Rao, Kourgar Simons and Chris Larney launch a tissue paper hot air balloon they created in the Shawnee High School Performing Arts and Activities Center. This was one project done this year in the "Launching Into Aviation" class. Photo provided by Joshua Watson.

Back in July, State Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell announced that Oklahoma is first in the country for high schools approved to teach the “You Can Fly” Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) curriculum, made available in the last year.

Pinnell made his announcement during a four-day training conference at OU’s National Weather Center, and Shawnee teacher Joshua Watson was among those from 58 Okla…