FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2007

Contact: Candace J. Semien
Communications Coordinator
(225)771-2242 ext. 303
www.suagcenter.com

Do You Believe You Can Fly?
Aviation Clinic Opens for Youth March 10

OPELOUSAS—Area youth will have an opportunity to take wings and fly thanks to a partnership between the Southern University Ag Center’s Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives and the St. Landry Parish Airport.

Starting, Saturday, March 10 youth age 12 -17 can participate in a series of aviation clinics designed to introduce the world of aviation. Do You Believe You Can Fly Aviation Clinic will be held at the center’s meeting room at 232 S. Liberty Street, 9a.m. - noon.

This clinic opens access and exposure to experiences that are non-traditional to this area of underserved youths, says LaVonya Malveaux, director of the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives. 'We are excited to provide these clinics to our area youth," she says.

Southern University aviator Al Rutherford will share insight on aviation and provide a tour of his v-tailed Bonanza stored at a hangar on the Ahart Field in Opelousas. Participating youth will learn how one becomes a certified pilot and about the career opportunities existing in aviation. The group will also tour the St. Landry Parish Airport.

Each clinic is limited to the first 20 participants who call the Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives at (337) 943-2410 to register.

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