CAIRO, Ill. (WSIL) -- Dozens of students from around the region gathered to learn about careers in aviation in Alexander County on Wednesday.
New opportunities are coming to Cairo students. Harold Jones is the owner of Harold S. Jones Fine Arts Center. He organized a workshop which teaches local students about careers in aviation. Jones said workshops like this are important.
"Outside of the music and the arts, we feel compelled to try to show kids that there are other avenues they could pursue for a career," said Jones.
During the workshop, students heard from SIU Flight Instructor Tom Edgar. He said he is excited for the opportunity to inspire the next generation.
"Not too long ago, just over four years ago, I was in their position just starting to fly; figuring it out and looking up to my instructors looking up to the people in the industry." Edgar said. "It's really gratifying to be in this position to be able to share the opportunities; kind of share my story and maybe inspire the next generation."
Bailey Burch assisted Harold Jones in organizing this event. She explained she is happy to share opportunities like this for students.
Burch said, "It's a great opportunity for the kids of the region to come together and see things that they don't typically get to see." Burch added, "With the expos that we do, it opens a lot of doors for these students that do not know that these things are in our area so when we hold things like this it gives them an opportunity to see what is available to them."
Brayden Keibler was one of the students at the event. He said this expo has helped him open his eyes to new future opportunities.
Keibler said, "I felt a little bit nervous, but, once I started to talk to the instructors and understanding what they were teaching me, I felt more comfortable."
