ADRIAN — Adrian Public Schools’ Prairie Elementary School and the Adrian Composite Squadron have been named the recipients of the “National ACE Plus Adopt Collaborative Squadron and School Teams of the Year Award.”
The national recognition, which was presented publicly during the Adrian Board of Education’s Sept. 23 meeting, celebrates the work in mentoring students and fostering a connection between aerospace education and community service.
“The award is a testament to the impact of their collaboration through the Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program,” a news release from Adrian Public Schools said.
The ACE program is designed to inspire and educate students in kindergarten through eighth grade, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through aerospace-related activities. Through the ACE Plus Adopt initiative, local Civil Air Patrol squadrons are paired with schools to provide mentorship and leadership development for students.
The award also is part of the larger Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program, which, since its inception, has impacted more than 638,000 students nationwide. Adrian’s Composite Squadron and Prairie Elementary School join a select group of schools across the country honored for their exceptional contributions to aerospace education, the district said.
At Prairie Elementary, all students can participate in free, hands-on activities and lessons offered though the ACE program that besides STEM, includes academics, character education and physical fitness. The lessons are provided to students — generally during the spring — at both the elementary school and at the Adrian CAP building at the Lenawee County Airport. The partnership has been ongoing for the past two school years.
Ryan Neesam, a teacher at Prairie Elementary School, is one of the driving forces behind the success of the program. Neesam took on the challenge of joining CAP as a member and coordinating the ACE program for his students.
“It’s been an incredible opportunity to connect my students with real-world aerospace concepts and leadership skills. The mentorship from CAP members has been invaluable in enhancing their learning experience,” Neesam said in the district’s news release.
The Civil Air Patrol was founded in 1941 and was established as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force seven years later. CAP is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this national recognition,” added Callie Yatzek, Dean of Students at Prairie Elementary School. “The partnership with Adrian Composite Squadron has been invaluable in exposing our students to exciting opportunities in aerospace and STEM. This award is a reflection of the dedication and enthusiasm that both our students and mentors have brought to this program. I’d like to extend a special thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Richard King, director of aerospace education for the Civil Air Patrol, and Captain Ken DeRemer for their leadership and continuous support, which have been pivotal to our success.”
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For more information on the Aerospace Connections in Education program, visit the Civil Air Patrol’s website at gocivilairpatrol.com. To learn more about Adrian Public Schools, visit adrianmaples.org.
“This award showcases the incredible teamwork between Prairie Elementary School and Adrian Composite Squadron. It’s wonderful to see the passion for learning and leadership that this program instills in our students,” Adrian Superintendent Nate Parker said. “We are proud to be part of an initiative that helps shape the future of aerospace and STEM education.”
— Contact reporter Brad Heineman at bheineman@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: twitter.com/LenaweeHeineman.