CANTONMENT, Fla. — I’ve always been a big advocate for education in general, and my desire to bridge the gap between agriculture and aviation has only grown stronger over the years. I currently serve as the JM Tate High School FFA Advisor and Assistant Principal, and am always looking for ways to further my education and experiences so that I can provide my students with real-life examples. As you may know, FFA is a nationally-recognized school-based student leadership development organization, transforming the lives of middle and high school students through a unique combination of classroom curriculum, experiential work-based learning, and leadership/life skills.
Photo courtesy Austin Courson
Last month that goal was more than accomplished as I was given the opportunity to join the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as a “key influencer rider” based on the work I do within the Cantonment community. This was actually the second time our school district has had a teacher fly with the Blue Angels. Getting to fly in a U.S. Navy fighter jet during the Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show was truly a dream come true for me! While there were a couple of times I felt like I could pass out (thanks, G forces!), I can look back at the whole experience and be in awe of what Naval pilots are capable of doing.
The intersection of agriculture and aviation is so important, and was one of the reasons I enjoyed teaching the Unmanned Aircraft in Agriculture course at JM Tate High School prior to becoming an assistant principal. The course was actually a result of me receiving a State of Florida Grant through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to teach the highly specialized course, with a goal of educating students on the future of agriculture and aviation, remote sensing, GPS technology, precision farming, and how agriculture sustainability is linked to our National Security Agency.
One of my former students is studying at ERAU and is pursuing an engineering degree and is active in her Navy ROTC program. She plans to enter the armed forces and wants to become a U.S. Naval Aviator. I thoroughly enjoy watching the unique paths my students have decided to take after going through my Unmanned Aircraft in Agriculture course. I look back at my own educational journey and am so appreciative of what I learned from also attending ERAU and earning a degree aboard the university’s Naval Air Station Pensacola.
For me, my professional education journey began in 2010 as a program assistant in the Escambia County School District teaching agricultural education, career education, and FFA programs. In 2015, I transitioned to the role of agricultural educator/FFA advisor at West Florida High School, and then eventually moved to JM Tate High School. I’m a second-generation teacher who’s deeply rooted in the public education system and am motivated to make a difference in the lives of my students; just as my FFA advisor did for me.
When I was an FFA member in high school, I remember being taught that challenges in life are what help shape us into who we are, and I viewed the opportunity this summer with the Blue Angels as a phenomenal challenge. It was a challenge that intimidated me a little bit, having never flown in a military jet before. But I was also so excited and knew that it would be a great learning opportunity not only for me, but for any one of my students to hopefully be inspired by. No matter your age, there’s room for growth and opportunities and I’ll forever be grateful to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels for inviting me on a ride of a lifetime.
It’s been incredible to watch Florida’s FFA membership continue to grow over the years. In fact, FFA recently announced that Florida is one of the top states for percentage of membership growth compared to last year (+116.9%). And FFA as a whole reached a record-breaking milestone of having more than one million FFA members. In addition to that, the National FFA is approaching another milestone and will be celebrating 100 years of empowering future leaders in agriculture in just a few short years. Since its founding in 1928, FFA has grown from a small group of farmers to a nationwide network dedicated to education, leadership, and agricultural innovation.
I’m so proud of my FFA members, and look forward to the successes of our FFA members to come, as I know the potential of each of them doing incredible things in their own communities. I remain devoted to continuing to develop a culture of excellence in my own community and inspiring youth to work hard, develop skills, and believe in achieving their goals. And to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, thank you for inviting me to experience a lifelong dream, and to fuel me this school year to teach my students that they, too, can do incredible things – whether you’re on the ground or in the sky.
–Austin Courson
JM Tate High School FFA Advisor and Assistant Principal
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