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October 23, 2025 — This year, Sprayberry High School students are learning more about STEM through aviation. The initiative plans to run through the school year but kicked off in exciting fashion this week as teachers took to the skies.
Four Sprayberry teachers got inside a Cessna airplane that took off from the Cobb County International Airport and circled the high school several times.
"To be able to fly in a small aircraft like that and actually put my hands on the controls, it was surreal and a lot of fun, and it was cool to be able to bring that kind of a STEM experience to our students," said teacher Todd Hefflinger, who was in one of the planes flying.
To ensure safety, these teachers could temporarily fly the plane from the passenger seat, guided by representatives from the Civil Air Patrol.
"I thought it was really cool. It's just not something you get to see every day," said 12th grader Haleigh Mayes.
Students watched from the football field as teachers aboard the planes circled them and communicated down through a radio. While this happened, students held up a big banner that read "We Love Sprayberry STEM".
Along with watching these flights take place, students learned more about aviation by going through a flight simulator which helped teach them valuable STEM skills while also having fun.
"I thought the best I could do was graduate, but this is honestly the coolest experience I think I'll get from my STEM Academy here at Sprayberry," said 11th grader Rachel Caldery-Smykun.
This fun-filled day of flying was intended to teach students about the science behind flying, while also giving them the opportunity to learn about a potential career path.
"I just want them to have an excitement for science and all the incredible opportunities they could potentially have," said teacher Molly Jirasakhiran, who also flew in one of the planes.
STEM Coordinator Dr. Hannah Oldham said this is just the first of many events planned for the year. Students will go indoor skydiving, visit museums, and hear from aviation experts throughout the year—experiences that make their STEM learning truly take flight and show why their teachers soar above others.
