The Creekview High School’s Aeronautics Team recently accepted a donation of equipment valued at more than $2,500 from a local enthusiast.  Bill Jefferson of Cumming, a former member of the Georgia Model Aviators, gifted the team with ready-to-fly radio-controlled aircraft, aircraft kits, engines, transmitters and building supplies.  “For the team, which relies on donations for much of its operating budget, this was a tremendous benefit,” said Team Sponsor Todd R. Sharrock, Creekview HS Science Department Head.

Since the team was established in 2008, it has grown in size from a handful of students to more than 30 members.  What initially began as a rocketry team to compete in the Team America Rocketry Challenge, has evolved into a fully-fledged Aeronautics program.  While the national rocketry competition is still a large part of the team’s focus (placing 20^th in the nation in 2010), it has branched out into radio-controlled flight and model aircraft construction.  The team is led by Mr. Sharrock and fellow Creekview HS science teacher Tim Smyrl.

Team members include: Chase Tetpon, Joey Nelson, Wyatt Northcutt, Newton Strickland, Nathan Olivares, Amanda Semler, Luc Rowell, Rafael Escamilla, Christian Schaefer, Ben McNamara, Chris Hoover, Josh Terry, Josh Whitley, Justin Smith, Chase Brooks, Jordan Chism, A.J. Sweet, Zack Chester, Trace Sosebee, Brady Neilson, Liam Vincent and Lindsay Stead.  The team is led by teachers Todd Sharrock, left, and Tim Smyrl.