"They Dared to Fly" Celebrates Black History Month, Students
Invited To Write Essays
Fantasy of Flight in central Florida plans to celebrate Black
History Month in February 2012 in a memorable way by kicking off
its Fourth Annual Legends & Legacies Symposium Series with a
visit from famed World War II heroes, the Tuskegee Airmen. There
will also be a student essay contest honoring the aviators'
leadership, excellence, advocacy and determination (LEAD).
Tuskegee Airmen At Fantasy Of
Flight
During this three-day event called "They Dared to Fly," the
Tuskegee Airmen, the nation's first African-American military
aviators, will relate their personal experiences of what it was
like to serve as a pilot in the military during segregated America.
The pilots will share stories about their military service and
success despite operating in segregated units. Of the original
group of nearly 1,000 trained pilots and 15,000 ground personnel
that made up the Tuskegee Airmen, roughly 50 pilots and 200 ground
crew are alive today.
"They Dared to Fly" will be held February 9th to the 11th, and
will feature several open-forum/question-and-answer sessions as
well as meet/greet autograph signings with several of the original
Tuskegee Airmen.
In tribute to the Tuskegee, students in grades 4-12 are invited to
participate in the "They Dared to Fly" essay contest. Using the
principles of LEAD (leadership, excellence, advocacy and
determination), students should describe how the Tuskegee Airmen
achieved success or describe how they can use these values to
achieve a personal goal of their own. Entries will be judged on
overall content, including spelling, grammar, punctuation,
legibility and penmanship (as applicable).
Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners
in each grade category (grades 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12). First place will
be awarded $100; second place, $75 and third place, $50. Entries
must be postmarked or hand delivered prior to 5 p.m. on or before
February 20, 2012. Winners will be announced March 16, 2012.
"It is an honor and a privilege to welcome back the Tuskegee
Airmen and their families to Fantasy of Flight for our Fourth
Annual Legends & Legacies Symposium Series," said Kim Long,
General Manager. "We couldn't think of a better way to honor the
Tuskegee Airmen and celebrate Black History Month than by engaging
students to learn more about these brave aviators and express what
they've learned through written essays. Our mission has always been
to encourage young people to pursue their own dreams, and the
Tuskegee Airmen are excellent role models in the values of
leadership, excellence, advocacy and determination."
The deadline for the essay contest is set for Feb. 20, 2012 in
order to allow students and student groups to attend the Tuskegee
Airmen's "They Dared to Fly" symposium Feb. 9-11, and write about
what they have learned.
Symposium events are included in the price of Fantasy of Flight
general admission and are free for annual pass holders.
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