Teacher recognized for helping prepare next generation of aviators

La Grange IL

20 May, 2022

3:17 PM

Description

Lyons Township High School Aviation teacher Dave Root was recently recognized for his dedication to the classroom, professionalism and helping provide the next generation of aviators. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University presented Root with an award, noting his credentials as a professor, commercial pilot, certified flight and certified flight instrument instructor, as well as his multi-engine and remote pilot licenses. For the past 16 years, Lyons Township High School and Embry Riddle have had a dual credit partnership, meaning a student is enrolled in an LT course and registered with Embry-Riddle, granting credit at both institutions. Root, a 2003 LT graduate, began teaching at LT in 2009. The LT Aviation program has grown from one course to five, and routinely turns out a half dozen licensed pilots each year. Aviation courses use real-world experiences and guest speakers to enhance coursework, including field trips to aviation museums, national guard facilities and commercial and private hangars, along with guest speakers in all fields of aviation. Root says, "While our Aviation courses are cutting edge, you can trace our roots as far back as 1929 to LT's first Aviation Club. When LT first started its partnership with Embry-Riddle there were just three other high schools offering dual credit. Now, there are 110 partnerships. It's exciting to see so much growth in the industry." Assistant Professor and Executive Director of Gaetz Aerospace Institute at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Dr. Colleen Conklin thanked Root for his service to the aviation industry, his professionalism and for helping inspire future aviators.