The sky was the limit at Florida College Academy (FCA) in Temple Terrace, where students helped Civil Air Patrol launch another exciting year of the Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program, CAP’s national K–8 STEM initiative.
Each October, the ACE program lifts off for a new academic year, inspiring young learners to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through the world of aerospace. This year’s national launch took place at FCA, the school recently named National ACE School of the Year for its innovative, schoolwide integration of the 2024–2025 ACE program.
National Recognition for STEM Excellence
As part of its national recognition, Florida College Academy swept Civil Air Patrol’s top three individual ACE awards:
ACE Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Edie Dorrell
ACE Student of the Year: Ben Chilcote
ACE Coordinator of the Year: Ms. Jeri Martin
FCA earned these honors for creatively embedding ACE lessons across its entire K–8 curriculum; a model now shared with schools nationwide.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The launch ceremony featured retired U.S. Navy Capt. Winston Scott, a former NASA astronaut, as keynote speaker. Scott inspired students with stories from his spaceflight career and encouraged them to pursue their dreams with focus and determination.
FCA Principal Rusty Copeland welcomed community leaders and guests, including the mayor, police chief, school board members, families, and state education officials. The CAP North Tampa–Lutz Cadet Squadron Color Guard presented the Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by the national ACE Student of the Year and the National Anthem performed by Mrs. Becky Murrell.
Community and Air Force Partnership
The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), the national sponsor of the ACE program, was represented by retired U.S. Air Force Col. Gary Copsey, the association’s vice chair for education. A former Civil Air Patrol cadet himself, Copsey praised the collaboration among the AFA, the Air Force, and CAP to prepare young people for an exciting and purposeful future.
“The ACE program, supported by the Air Force, CAP, and AFA, is a powerful example of what can happen when organizations come together to prepare young people for an exciting and purposeful future,” Copsey said.
Through the AFA’s support, every FCA student and staff member proudly wore a purple ACE shirt provided by the association for the event.
Civil Air Patrol Leadership Joins the Celebration
Col. David Panzera, commander of CAP’s Florida Wing, energized more than 400 students with his remarks and congratulations. He was joined by the wing’s directors of aerospace education and cadet programs.
“Civil Air Patrol works tirelessly not only to provide outstanding educational programs like ACE, but also to offer a vibrant cadet program where young people can explore a wide variety of STEM-related careers,” Panzera said. “Since the ACE program is modeled after our cadet program for youth ages 12 and above, its three pillars, STEM learning, character, and fitness, serve as important foundations that prepare students for bright and successful futures.”
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Muhlberger, vice president of the local AFA Waterman–Twining Chapter, and chapter president retired U.S. Air Force Col. Bill Yucuis also presented shirt donations and pledged continued support for the school’s educational and mentoring programs.
STEM Learning Takes Center Stage
Following the ceremony, STEM Coordinator Jeri Martin led an action-packed day of aerospace learning. Teachers, volunteers, and guest speakers guided students through hands-on activities such as:
Hot air balloon inflation demonstrations
Meteorology presentations
Classroom visits from Astronaut Winston Scott
Straw rocket launches
Tissue-paper hot air balloon design and launch
Space vehicle tracking
Mission patch creation
Lessons on the World War II “Candy Bomber” and his humanitarian candy parachute drops
Students also performed “The Boomerang Song,” the official ACE program song by artist Charlotte Richey, in song and sign language under the direction of Mrs. Jessica Johnson.
Throughout the event, CAP National Headquarters staff members Susan Mallett and Sue Mercer helped lead the program, with Mallett introducing speakers and presenting awards, and Mercer concluding the celebration with a rotorcraft liftoff that preceded a sheriff’s department helicopter landing for student tours.
“An Incredible Honor”
Principal Copeland said the ACE program gives students a unique opportunity to grow in leadership and service while learning important STEM principles.
“This is an incredible honor for our students, faculty, and entire school family,” he said. “We are proud to see their dedication recognized at this level.”
Why ACE Matters
The Aerospace Connections in Education program brings aerospace-themed, standards-based STEM learning to classrooms across the country. With more than 150 engaging online lessons, ACE blends academic subjects with character education and physical fitness to encourage healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
Each year, more than 500 classrooms nationwide participate in ACE, with many “adopted” by CAP squadrons and AFA chapters through the ACE Plus program.
Since its inception in 2007, the ACE program has reached over 850,000 students, a number expected to surpass 900,000 by March and reach its one-millionth participant next year.
Learn More
To explore the Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program or register your school, visit Aerospace Connections in Education | Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters.
