From phones attached firmly to the wall to cellular phones that fit in a pocket, great feats have been reached in the last 60 years. New studies have been conducted, the computer has been invented, communication overseas has increased and become more efficient ,which is partially credited to the creation of the internet, and women’s rights have become prominent in society.

While these major changes occurred in the world, they affected the community and education at Air Academy High School. Alumni of Air Academy recently commented on various changes they have noticed since they attended Air Academy.

Recently, various studies have emphasized the dangers of various sports. The game of football has been questioned strongly because of the increase of concussions and brain damage in student athletes. Parents of students are recognizing the dangers and not allowing their children participate.

“When I was a coach and athletic director, we used to get 120 kids out for football. Now with the concussion studies, you don’t get as many kids participating as you used to,” mentions John Lynch, former Air Academy athletic director.

Not only do the sports and participation differ, computers now serve as an essential tool for learning. The B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) policy has encouraged the use of electronic devices in and outside of classrooms.

“Society has changed. There is so much more technology, and that is a part of students’ education. It wasn’t available so much when I was teaching,” comments Chris Palmer, a retired English teacher who now consults for College Board, the organization responsible for AP exams. 

With the invention of the computer came the invention of the internet. The internet opened doors and created a source which benefited all aspects of teaching. The average young adult spends nearly 28 hours online each week. Without recognition of it, most students at Air Academy will access the internet various times a day. This could be because they are in need of an answer to a question, wish to access a social media site, or just simply want to expand their knowledge on nearly any topic.

The internet stands as one of the most influential inventions in history. It has not only provided students with a source but has lead to increased abilities in communication. Oversea communication has been made possible and been incorporated into school settings because of the internet. In schools, students are able to interact with students in other countries. Without this connection, students would be robbed of an excellent learning opportunity.

While communication becomes more efficient, ideas spread faster and are more influential. Women’s rights are constantly being emphasized in the world today and in schools. From the time Air Academy began to now, women’s rights have changed drastically and have widely expanded. Women have greater opportunity and representation. It has been intertwined in schools and is an example of when movements happen in America, they often become movements at Air Academy.

As the 60th Anniversary of Air Academy High School is occurring, it is important and creates perspective to evaluate what has changed and what remains the same. While there have been various additions and noticeable movements in Air Academy, the most valuable aspects have remained.

“I think the heart of Air Academy is the same, and that’s what’s most important,” Palmer notes.