By Mike Mitchell

August 12, 2009, Miami, Florida, over 50 middle and high school intercity students from Miami, celebrated their graduation yesterday from the “Discover Aviation” program, a nine week aviation camp held at Opa Locka Airport.

The program was directed by record setting pilot Captain Barrington Irving and cosponsored by Chevron and the City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department.

Irving’s father, Barrington Irving Sr. provided an inspiring invocation to the students, parents and other attendees.  

Robert Taylor, Communications Manager at Chevron Global Aviation presented a $1,000 scholarship to Deshorn King for showing exceptional progress during the program. The scholarship will enable King to attend the 2010 EAA Air Academy, a one-week aviation education camp experience in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Deshorn King, age 17 is currently attending George T. Baker Aviation School where he is studying aircraft mechanics and hopes one day to be able to take the FAA Airframe and Power Plant licensing exam.

Deshorn states his inspiration into the field of aviation came from his exposure to Barrington Irving. “Without this program I would not have gotten involved in aviation. I hope one day to become a pilot as well.” “This program has kept me off the streets. I am always at the airport, from morning to night”  

Captain Barrington Irving addressed the students, he expressed how proud he was of them, and urged the students to continue on with their endeavors. The graduating students were given diplomas and provided with their own pilot logbooks. Captain Barrington Irving also noted he was proud to inform the audience that in June of this year he received a Bachelor Degree form Florida Memorial University in Miami, in aerospace.

Irving noted he would like to see next year’s students build an aircraft such as the one that was built by the students at George T. Baker Aviation School. He furthered thanked his supporters and asked for their continued support.