Tuskegee University is helping the next generation of pilots through a new non-profit program aimed to help at-risk youth through aviation education. Saturday, the first class of students will graduate from the academy in a ceremony following a groundbreaking for new hangars at Golden Eagle Aviation in Tuskegee, Ala.

The academy is a collaborative effort of the university, the Chicago chapter of Tuskegee Airmen,Golden Eagle Aviation and the National Park Service. Owned by Rev. Bill Winston, an alumnus of the university and supporter of the academy, Golden Eagle Aviation seeks to revitalize the aviation industry in Tuskegee. 

The Alabama Department of Education has released the public school system calendar for the 2012-2013 school year.

Earlier this year, the state legislature passed a law to make school start dates more uniform and to protect tourism dollars from shortened summer breaks.  It requires schools years to begin no sooner than August 20th and end no later than May 24th of each year

All public schools will start on August 20, 2012 and end between May 22 -24, 2013, but other holidays and breaks may fall on different dates within the various school systems.

The Macon County School System's school calendar is as follows:

• School starts:  August 20, 2012
• School ends: May 23, 2013
• Thanksgiving Break: November 22, 2012 - November 23, 2012
• Winter Break: December 24, 2013- January 1, 2013
• Spring Break: March 25, 2013- March 29, 2013
• Labor Day:  September 3, 2012
• Veterans Day:  Novembe

For ten years, the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) has brought innovative and hands-on learning to teachers and students in Alabama. The initiative has greatly changed the way students view math and science. These subjects often go from those least liked by students to their favorites. With the excitement of AMSTI, students select more math and science courses during their educational career and choose courses that are more academically rigorous.

“This is a celebration for ten years of AMSTI as a successful program in Alabama’s schools, for all students who have received a higher quality of STEM education and for the teachers who have benefited from the advanced skills and teaching techniques offered through AMSTI”, said Dr. Tommy Bice, State Superintendent of Education.

The first AMSTI site began operation in June 2002 with a NASA grant to serve 20 schools that year.