AVIATION STUDENTS FLY SOLO Pasco-Hernando State College( PHSC) professional pilot program student Dustin Snodgrass earned his solo wings in October, just two months into the launch of the program. Snodgrass was the first student in PHSC’ s new aviation program to achieve this milestone after logging 14 hours of instructed flight time.“ Earning wings to fly solo does not relate to flight hours, but to the ability of the student pilot,” said Mark Aragon, instructor, professional pilot and unmanned systems program director.“ In addition to his flight time, Dusty passed a pre-solo written test and a Stage I exam that included a practical and a written exam. Dusty is extremely dedicated and has the fortitude to realize his dream to be a pilot,” said Aragon.
COLLEGE NIGHTS INTERRUPTED BY IRMA
The annual College Night events slated for September, were rescheduled to October as Hurricane Irma had other plans for college-seeking students who found themselves preparing for the impending storm rather than classes. However, the annual event traditionally held for Hernando County students at Nature Coast Technical High School was cancelled.
The rescheduled College Nights at East Campus in Dade City and at West Campus in New Port Richey were well attended by prospective students of all ages. Representatives from PHSC and many public and private colleges, universities, other educational institutions, and the military participated in College Nights providing residents in PHSC’ s service area with a one-stop opportunity to get information about admissions, financial aid, and programs for post-secondary study.
Students who were unable to attend the event, but want to learn more about PHSC, can contact an advisor or visit phsc. edu for more information.
PHSC professional pilot program student Dustin Snodgrass earns his solo wings.
Aviation students Keenan Pendergraft and James Kessner soon followed with solo flights on the books.
PHSC began offering Associate in Science degrees in professional pilot technology and aviation administration in August 2017. Two additional aviation AS degrees— unmanned vehicle systems operations and aviation maintenance administration— will be available in 2018. All four AS aviation degrees received approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges( SACSCOC) to be included in the scope of the College’ s current accreditation. For more information on PHSC’ s new aviation program, visit phsc. edu / academics / programs-and-careers / aviation.
PRACTICING MINDFULNESS AT PEACE WEEK Mindfulness, the state and practice of enhancing awareness and being in the moment, was the theme of the 10th annual Peace Week held in October. Various keynote speakers, guest lecturers, exhibits, presentations, interactive workshops, peace and religion festivals, and drum circles highlighted the week of events at each PHSC campus. Hector Marcel presented“ Stepping into an Incredible Future” in the opening Peace Week ceremony.
Other presentations and lectures enjoyed by students, faculty, staff and community members throughout the week included: Mindfulness as a Classroom Strategy; Positivity in Action; The Role of Mindfulness in Public Service; Being Mindful of Gender Equality to End Gender Based Violence; Rocket Science and Art; and A Mission of Love— Bikers against Child Abuse.
Additionally, West Campus was host to visiting Tibetan Monks, who created a sand mandala— thought to bring peace and
20 PHSC Perspective