Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XII, Issue I - Spring 2018 | Page 20

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