As part of the Westmoreland County Gifted Coalition’s ‘Vertiport Design Challenge’, teams from around the region presented their models, blueprints, and conceptual designs for a futuristic airport featuring vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
The project commenced last fall when all the students convened at the airport for an in-depth tour highlighting the use of the proposed project. They heard from professionals in the field describing the exciting future of the addition of Vertiports and careers in aviation.
The Penn-Trafford team of Faiz Khatri, Julianna Eshmann, Sammy Seech, and Ava Ruane earned First Place in the competition, and each received a $500 scholarship to Aerium for their aviation courses. The other Penn-Trafford team of Chloe Bishop, Drew Hauck, and Elsie Ley placed third.
“Students spent the year learning more about design and the future,” commented teacher Mrs. Christina Wukich. “They were able to bring their ideas to life through this project.”
Julianna Eshman, Drew Hauck, Faiz Khatri, Ava Ruane, Sammy Seech, Elsie Ley, and Chloe Bishop
Faiz Khatri, Juliann Eshman, Ava Ruane, and Sammy Seech
Drew Hauck, Elsie Ley, and Chloe Bishop