Six IDEA students visited GILA this month. Three of those students were here for the aviation program.

The Interior Distance Education of Alaska program is a home school program provided by the Galena City School District that provides parents the tools to teach their children at home.

IDEA students Patrick Brandt, 15, of Wasilla; Ricardo Medina, 15, of Fairbanks; and Shea Orr, 16, of North Pole all came for the aviation program.

Patrick wants to pass his FAA knowledge exam, and he plans to come back as a GILA student. “This place is awesome, everybody is chill,” he said.

The three aviation students were joined by Emily Dukes, 15, of North Pole; Maggie Dukes, 16, also of North Pole; and Noel Duplantis, 19, of Nenana.

Ricardo said he came to learn how to fly an airplane and also wants to return as a GILA student.

Shea said, “I think the classes are really awesome and provide great opportunities.” He hasn’t decided if he wants to come back yet as a GILA student.