Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Drones are making a significant impact in local Catholic schools, with St. Charles Borromeo students learning to program these flying devices as part of their education. The school has partnered with the Gaetz Aerospace Institute through Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to offer a beginner course on drones for eighth-graders. This initiative is the first of its kind among private schools in central Florida.

The course covers various aspects of drone technology, including types of drones, safety procedures, weather impacts on flight, and coding. Jamie Rodriguez, principal of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School, expressed her enthusiasm for providing high-quality educational experiences that extend beyond standard curriculum offerings. "This provides students opportunities above and beyond what they might get elsewhere and really shows them what they can do," she said.

Steven Barnaby, the school's science teacher who played a key role in establishing this program, emphasized the importance of engaging students with hands-on learning experiences. "I’m always thinking of ideas of how to capture kids’ attention and get them excited about things that are out there," he stated.

Barnaby underwent intensive training to teach the course effectively and developed lessons tailored to his students' needs. He believes that even if students do not pursue careers in drone technology, they will gain valuable skills applicable in various life situations.

Students like Isabela S. and Mitchell N. have shown keen interest in the course, exploring both personal enjoyment and potential career paths involving drones. While middle school students cannot yet earn an FAA license required for professional work with drones, further study at Bishop Moore Catholic High School offers pathways toward such qualifications.

Mary Grady, Bishop Moore’s aviation program director and a veteran pilot, supports this educational progression from middle school through high school courses offered by Embry Riddle partnerships. She highlighted the potential for these programs to inspire future careers or hobbies in aviation while addressing the industry's need for more pilots.

St. Charles Borromeo's pioneering effort is complemented by similar programs at other diocesan high schools such as Bishop Moore, Trinity Catholic in Ocala, and Father Lopez in Daytona Beach.