Red Tail Cadets Class Four Honored with Graduation Ceremony at Elite Aviation

By Carmelo Turdo

Six high school students from the Ferguson-Florissant School District and Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District were honored as the graduating Class Four of the Red Tail Cadet Program during a ceremony held on Thursday evening, August 15, at Elite Aviation. The event marked the culmination of eight weeks of flight training and life skills coaching received as part of their overall Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. 

The Red Tail Cadet Program Class Four, seen here with Elite Aviation owners John and Donna Tipton, The Crossing Church Pastor of Community Development Anthony Meyers, and Red Tail Cadet Administrator Melinda McKinney: 

Jalen Dennis, Alyssa Hill, Amir Soliman, Noah Strong, Elijah Fields and Sasha Parott-Santillan

The Red Tail Cadet Program is a cooperative effort by the Ferguson-Florissant School District, The Crossing Church, and Elite Aviation among other sponsors to use aviation as a pathway to a STEM career. The program is named for the Red Tails of the 332nd Fighter Group, the first all-black military pilot unit that formed during World War II and popularly known today as the Tuskegee Airmen. The same drive and talent that made the Tuskegee Airmen legendary in war and in peace can be applied by these students in pursuit of their own future goals while participating in the Red Tail Cadet Program.

The inspiration for the Red Tail Cadet Program came from an encounter half a world away from St. Louis. Anthony Meyers, The Crossing Church Pastor of Community Development, was on a mission trip to Africa. While he was there, he took a flight with two young pilots. He asked one of them, a native of Nairobi, Kenya, how he became a pilot and was inspired by his answer. In a region where most parents encourage their sons to become doctors, this young man had a different calling: he wanted to become a pilot. So, after high school graduation, his community raised the funds to send him to South Africa for pilot training. After consultation with the Ferguson-Florissant School District and other partners, the Red Tail Cadet Program was born.

Prior to the ceremony, the Red Tail Cadets and their guests gathered to welcome a special visitor: John Fester arrived with his North American T-28B that would become the backdrop for the graduation. Although the former U.S. Navy trainer was not a Red Tail aircraft, it represents the dedication of military service members and all Americans who work together to make this country great. The aircraft also presents a dynamic pose with its distinctive red engine cowling, tail and wingtips. Here we show the arrival with special guest, Red Tail Cadet (Captain) D.J. Beal, alumni of Class One, who is now pursuing his Commercial Pilot Certificate at Southeast Missouri State University.

The ceremony began with a series of messages from representatives of the sponsoring organizations who worked tirelessly throughout the year to make the Red Tail Cadet Program possible.

Pastor Tim Bounds, The Crossing Church

John Tipton, Elite Aviation

Anthony Meyers, The Crossing Church

John Bales, Director of Spirit of St. Louis Airport

Following the sponsor presentations, the Red Tail Cadets addressed the guests with remarks describing the Red Tail Cadet Program and the Five Pillars of Leadership: Honesty, Respect, Integrity, Commitment and Legacy. Each Red Tail Cadet from Class Four was then awarded a framed graduation certificate along with a Proclamation from St. Louis County naming August 15, 2024, for each of the Cadets. 

After the ceremony, the Cadets and guests gathered to watch the sunset departure of John Fester and his T-28!

The Aero Experience thanks Elite Aviation and all of the sponsors for supporting the Red Tail Cadet Program again this year!