NEWS RELEASE
Fredrick A. Wentworth,
Superintendent
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
08-003: Aviation Academy’s new faculty
July 27, 2007
Contact: Kathy Foccaci, director - 468.4806
Bryan Cantrell, teacher - 724-0225
R. David Meeade, teacher – 634.6813
Aviation Academy hires its first teachers
Venture Academy announces the hiring of the first instructors for its new San Joaquin Career
and Technical High’s Aviation Academy, which opens in August 2007. R. David Meade of
Turlock and Bryan W. Cantrell of Merced, join forces with the Academy to educate 40 students
in grades 9 and 10. The school holds high academic standards and a strong career focus on
Aeronautics and Space that will provide career pathways to aviation positions and these teachers
are experts in the field.
“Both come from a diverse background, including many years in the aviation industry,” said
Mary Vink, Venture Academy program manager. “This will give us the added bonus of their
wealth of knowledge from various areas.”
Based on the California State Standards and California Career Technical Education Standards,
freshman and sophomores will be offered creative instruction which will allow them to complete
course work leading to a high school diploma. Practical and thematic-based instruction will give
students an overview of aviation careers including, but not limited to aeronautical engineer,
aircraft mechanics, and baggage handler.
Cantrell is currently pursing his Executive M.B.A. at California State University, Stanislaus.
Prior to receiving his new position, Cantrell spent nearly 10 years working in the field of aviation
as a pilot for companies such as Northwest Air and the Ag Rotors of Hollister, CA. While
continuing to fly for pleasure he worked as a General Manager for aviation companies such as
Merced Helicopter.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to broaden the horizons and visions of students
within the field of aviation,” said Cantrell.
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Fredrick A. Wentworth,
Superintendent
NEWS RELEASE
Prior to Meade receiving the position, he spent eight years as a k–8 science teacher and
coordinator at New Jerusalem Charter School. While at New Jerusalem he was honored as
Tracy’s 2004 Teacher-of-the-Week, A+ Teacher of the Year, University of California Teacher
Leadership Award, and National Association of Geosciences Teacher FWS “Outstanding Earth
Science Teacher, 2006/07”. Before Meade became a teacher he spent more than 15 years working
as a geologist. In the late 90’s, he received his private pilot certificate.
“I am excited to offer students a practical and hands-on approach to science by using an
aviation-base to teach science,” said Meade. “I am looking forward to teaching science as a
career-oriented approach.”
This innovative school is located at Stockton Metro Airport and is a tuition-free, state-funded
public charter high school. The school is dedicated to facilitation learning in science, math, and
technology through aviation. To enroll a child in this unique opportunity or for more information,
call 468-5940.
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