BARNEGAT – A Monday morning Nixle alert reassured residents that a Medevac helicopter touching down at the local high school was not an emergency. Instead, it marked the exciting start of a special event.
Barnegat High School partnered with the New Jersey State Police Aviation Department to bring the impressive aircraft to the school grounds. Students from the school’s Aviation, SHIELD, and Jr. ROTC programs were all on hand to witness a firsthand demonstration led by the state police’s aviation team.
The event wasn’t just for high schoolers looking to learn more about prospective career paths. Invitations extended beyond the three high school programs, reaching out to approximately 30 eager students from Brackman Middle School who plan on entering the same programs next year.
“I wish it could have been warmer and a little less windy,” said Barnegat High School Vice Principal Frank Pannullo. “But the kids seemed to be blown away by the fact that there was a $15 to $17 million helicopter in front of them.”
The demonstration kicked off with a thrilling sight as the helicopter touched down on the school grounds. Students then had the unique opportunity to meet the aircraft’s four-person crew. The crew described the helicopter’s various components, giving the students a behind-the-scenes look at the aircraft used for everything from locating missing persons to emergency response.
“The pilot explained how the gear and the kit for the helicopter can be swapped out at any given moment to change the functionality of the helicopter,” Pannullo shared. “Whether it’s going to be search and rescue, whether it’s going to be survey, or whether it’s going to be Medivac.”
“He actually gave an example that during Sandy, they removed all of the gear from the helicopter and put in seats,” continued Pannullo. “The pilot who spoke was the pilot who was flying the governor around at that time to survey the damage from the storm.”
An engaging Q&A session allowed the students to ask questions directly to the crew, gaining valuable insights into aviation, emergency response, and law enforcement careers. The crew even discussed the educational requirements and potential career paths for students interested in following in their footsteps.
John Marone, a 17-year-old junior at Barnegat High School, embodied the event’s success. He’s enrolled in all three participating programs (Aviation, SHIELD, and Jr. ROTC).
“I thought it was awesome,” John said. “I’ve always loved aircraft, and seeing the helicopter land at our school was pretty cool.”
John’s passion for aviation and service stems from a variety of interests. A childhood fascination with military history led him to join the Jr. ROTC program, while a natural curiosity about law enforcement drew him to the SHIELD program. When the school began offering the aviation course, John knew it was an opportunity he couldn’t miss.
With his sights set high, John plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida to pursue a degree in Aeronautical Science.
Christian Perez, a 15-year-old sophomore in the SHIELD program, was particularly fascinated by a specific piece of the helicopter’s technology. “There was this camera, they said it cost like $2 million,” Christian said. “It could zoom in on license plates from way up in the sky and take super clear pictures.”
Beyond the impressive equipment, Christian was captivated by the pilot’s personal story. He enjoyed hearing how the crew assisted those in need of medical transport, from emergencies requiring hospitalization to critical situations like drownings. Christian’s enthusiasm mirrored the event’s goal of sparking curiosity and igniting a passion for future careers in service.
Three Separate Programs with Integrated Learning Possibilities
Three teachers oversee a set of programs that have attracted a great deal of attention at Barnegat High School. They offer an exploration into studies that go beyond regular classroom academics.
John Boylan heads up the SHIELD program, a collaborative effort between the local high school and the Barnegat Police Department. The curriculum focuses on providing students with a meaningful foundation for careers in law enforcement. Students who successfully complete the program requirements may be considered for employment with the local police department.
Leading the Jr. ROTC program is Chris Brown, a Senior Naval Science Instructor and retired Chief Warrant Officer in the United States Navy. “Our program is all about citizenship development,” Brown explained. “We welcome any student who wants to participate, regardless of their future plans. It’s not a military recruiting program; it’s about building well-rounded individuals.”
Rounding out the trio is Lou Foster, who heads the introductory aviation program. “Aviation 101 is essentially a first-year science course,” Foster explained. “We delve into the physics of flight, explore various government agencies involved in aviation, and emphasize safety regulations. It’s an overview designed to spark student interest and help them identify potential career paths within the vast aviation industry.”
One of the unsung heroes behind the event’s success was Barnegat Police Officer Brian Weber, the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to the high school. Weber’s relationship with students extends beyond their daily safety and security. He continues to act as a positive role model and has undoubtedly influenced a number of students in their consideration of careers in service.
