By Allison Marlow
When Hayden Kerin finishes his work for the day, he can literally watch his success soar.
The Fairhope High School senior spends half of each school day tinkering with instrumentation and learning about aircraft systems. A good day in the classroom means a great day on the tarmac.
“I was always interested in airplanes. I thought it would be interesting and fun,” he said of the classes. “When we see something we do flying, it’s very rewarding,” Kerin said.
Kerin is one of 31 students who have committed to spending half a day in high school and half in college courses through Baldwin County School’s Fairhope Academy program at the Fairhope Airport. Launched in 2015, the partnership with Coastal Alabama Community College allows Baldwin County high school students to complete the majority of classes needed to earn an associate in applied science degree in airframe technology.