Yesterday, students from our STEM classes had the exciting opportunity to visit the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The tour was led by Senior Master Sergeant Andrew Caya—a former student of Mr. Viola—which made the experience even more meaningful.
During the visit, students boarded a KC-135 Stratotanker, an aircraft designed to refuel other planes mid-flight. They explored the cockpit, learning about the gauges, switches, and responsibilities of the pilot. They also got a firsthand look at the boom operator’s station, where they observed how aircraft are connected and refueled in the air.
Outside the plane, students engaged with technicians who explained their day-to-day responsibilities. These conversations included discussions about required education, career pathways, pay, and benefits associated with various roles at the station.
To cap off the visit, students enjoyed a robot and ammunition demonstration by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists during lunch.
A special thank you goes to Mrs. Burhart, Mr. Viola, and everyone else who helped make this trip a success. Our students represented our school with pride—they were respectful, curious, and asked insightful questions throughout the day.
