The Geibel Aerospace Program received a prestigious national award Thursday from the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol for its excellent work in aerospace education.
State Sen. Richard Kasunic, Lt. Col. Robert Meinert of the Pennsylvania Civil Air Patrol Wing and other state and local dignitaries were on hand at an assembly as Capt. Toni Henderson, teacher and GAP advisor, received the state, regional and national Frank G. Brewer - Civil Air Patrol Memorial Aerospace Award on behalf of the club.
Henderson has firsthand knowledge on how it feels to win not one level of the award, but all three, because she received the triple honor in 2002. In fact, Henderson said she was told she was the first individual to win all three awards.
"I'm extremely honored for them," said Henderson. "It's unbelievable that a little school like Geibel can be nationally recognized. I don't think we get recognized for the good things enough."
The award, given to individuals and organizations within the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary for exceptional contributions in the advancement of youth in aerospace activities, was established by Lt. Col. Frank Brewer Jr. in his father's name after his death in 1969 because of Brewer's lifelong commitment and interest in aviation, youth and education. A Birmingham, Ala. businessman, he always realized the important role youth played in the future of aviation and the country.
Kasunic told the students that as he looked around the gym and saw banners of Geibel's many athletic accomplishments hanging on the walls, that they should be just as proud of their school today.
"This award today ranks as high - if not higher - than all of these athletic awards. I am proud of our youngsters," said Kasunic. "This nation is going to be in very good hands in the future. My message to you is continue to dream. Set your goals high. Don't ever give up on yourselves, your school, your parents or your administrators."
Meinert said he couldn't be more proud that a club from Pennsylvania won the award and has accomplished the things the GAP has.
"This is a hard won award," said Meinert, who said that the GAP was selected from a list of individuals and organizations across the state to send to regionals, then from nine states in the Northeast Region and then from all 50 states. "It's a well-deserved honor. I've been both impressed and astounded at the (club's accomplishments)."
The club is considered a forerunner in aerospace education and has close relationships with many of the state's institutions of higher learning, including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
The club has studied the mechanics and principles of flight and rocket design with noted aerospace science professors and U.S. Navy aviators. The school has often been recognized for promoting and providing an outstanding example of a focused curriculum that gets results.
In addition to the students who currently participate in GAP, Principal Vincent Mascia said it is also appropriate to recognize students from the past who helped build the program to what it is today.
