Four years ago, Cleveland High School students began working on a project unlike anything they had experienced before: building a real airplane. What started as a collection of aircraft parts has grown into something extraordinary, bringing together students, educators and community members who share a belief in what's possible when young people are given the opportunity to dream big.
On Friday, October 23, that journey reached an exciting new milestone as the aircraft moved from Cleveland High School to a hangar at the Cleveland Jetport, where students will continue their work toward completing the plane.
The Tango Flight program began at CHS through a charitable investment from the George R. Johnson Family Foundation and three private pilots. Since then, students have worked alongside aviation instructor Jeffrey Garrett and dedicated community mentors to assemble a two-seat Van's RV-12iS aircraft, learning not only the technical skills required to build an airplane, but also the importance of patience, perseverance and teamwork.
For CHS student Hailee Barnette, Friday's milestone was especially meaningful. Having participated in Tango Flight throughout her time at Cleveland High School, she remembers when the aircraft was little more than a shell sitting on a table.
"When I first went into the class, it was kind of overwhelming with all that we have to do to get it to the point that we see right in front of us," Barnette shared. "When I first saw it, it was just a little shell sitting on a table."
Over time, Barnette and her classmates have learned to read assembly instructions, work alongside experienced mentors and tackle challenges together. Now, after so many hours of dedication, they are seeing their hard work take shape in a way they once could only imagine.
“People ask you, ‘When are we gonna fly?’” Barnette said. “I’m saying, ‘Hopefully soon,’ and now I can say that it is really this soon.”
Although work remains before the aircraft is ready for flight, the move to the Cleveland Jetport marks an important next step. Students will continue the build at the hangar, including attaching the aircraft's wings.
"There's something really special about watching our students take on a project like this and realize what they're capable of accomplishing," said Dr. Jeff Elliott, Director of Cleveland City Schools. "They've worked hard, learned from challenges and helped build something extraordinary. I'm incredibly proud of these students, their teacher and the community members who have invested their time and talents into this program. This is what makes our schools and our community so special. When we come together to support our students, there's no telling what they can accomplish."
Friday's celebration also brought a meaningful connection to Cleveland High School's past. Joe Hannah, a retired pilot and CHS alumnus, returned to his alma mater to celebrate the students' accomplishments. Hannah previously flew for Delta Air Lines before returning to aviation with Tri State Aviation.
For Hannah, seeing the opportunities available to today's students was an emotional experience.
"It just gives me almost chicken skin, really, goosebumps," Hannah shared. "If they would have had this, I probably wouldn't have ever left school."
Reflecting on his own years in aviation, Hannah shared his enthusiasm for the career opportunities awaiting students interested in following a similar path.
"You got the best view, office view of anybody in the world," he said. "What a great career. Fantastic."
The Tango Flight program is about much more than assembling an airplane. Students are applying lessons in mathematics, science and engineering to a real-world project while gaining valuable experience that could lead to careers in aviation, aerospace engineering, aircraft maintenance and manufacturing.
Just as important are the relationships built along the way. The project has brought together students, educators, aviation professionals and community supporters, each contributing to something that will leave a lasting impact on the young people involved.
From the generosity that helped launch the program to the mentors who have continued showing up to share their time and expertise, Tango Flight reflects the strength of a community that believes in investing in its students.
Cleveland High School Principal Bob Pritchard captured the excitement surrounding the program and the possibilities ahead with a simple message: "The sky is the limit."
For the students who have spent time building this airplane, those words carry special meaning. While the aircraft has reached a new home at the Cleveland Jetport, the journey is far from over. There are still wings to attach, lessons to learn and milestones to celebrate.
But for now, there is plenty to be proud of.
At Cleveland City Schools, we believe the greatest opportunities happen when students, educators and community members work together. Through Tango Flight, our students are discovering that with hard work, encouragement and people who believe in them, even the biggest dreams can begin to take shape.
Photo Courtesy: Centerfold Sports Photography