In Butler County Schools, learning extends far beyond classroom walls; it takes shape through experiences that challenge, inspire, and empower students to use their skills in meaningful ways. This fall, that commitment came vividly to life as students at the Butler County Area Technical Center (ATC) applied their growing aviation and engineering expertise to capture a community tradition from an entirely new angle: the sky.

On a crisp fall day in Morgantown, during the 2025 Veterans Day Parade, Isaiah Bastin, a junior at Butler County High School and student in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) course at the ATC, stepped forward to take on a unique task. Guided by his instructor, Mr. Chad Tyree, Isaiah piloted a drone to record aerial footage of the parade, giving the community an elevated perspective on an event that honors local veterans and celebrates shared civic pride.

This hands-on project served as an authentic demonstration of the Portrait of a Learner pillar of Problem Solving: a skill set that Butler County Schools works intentionally to cultivate in every student. Isaiah’s work required not just technical know-how, but also preparation, judgment, critical thinking, and the ability to apply classroom learning in a real-world scenario.

Students in Mr. Tyree’s UAS program study the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 regulations, gaining a deep understanding of safety, legal requirements, and operational procedures. Isaiah has been steadily building his skills throughout the course, preparing for both the responsibilities and opportunities that come with piloting unmanned aircraft. The parade project offered a chance to transfer that knowledge into an authentic, community-centered experience.

Yet the learning didn’t stop once the drone landed.

After gathering raw footage from the event, Isaiah collaborated with his classmates (Cameron Porter, Kegan Greenwood, Ian Ingram, and Kaden Murphy) to edit and prepare the final video. Together, the students transformed hours of aerial recording into a polished presentation that reflects both their technical skills and their creative decision-making. Their collaboration showcased how applied problem solving often requires iterative thinking, teamwork, and attention to detail.

Mr. Tyree expressed his appreciation for the students’ dedication, noting in the submission, “Special thanks to Kegan, Ian, and Isaiah.” This acknowledgment highlights the collective effort behind the project and celebrates the students’ commitment to excellence.

The UAS program at Butler County ATC is one of the district’s innovative pathways designed to prepare students for the rapidly expanding industries connected to aviation, engineering, data collection, and technology. By pairing rigorous academic content with practical, hands-on experiences, the program empowers students to develop durable skills that will serve them long after graduation.

The Veterans Day Parade project exemplifies this mission. From pre-flight planning and safety checks, to piloting, to video editing and final presentation, students practiced a full range of problem-solving skills (including analysis, planning, refining, and reflecting) that align with the district’s Portrait of a Learner framework.

Butler County Schools emphasizes five pillars in its Portrait of a Learner: Character, Communication, Collaboration, Global Citizenship, and Problem Solving. This story serves as a model example of how students can live out these attributes in authentic contexts. Though rooted in Problem Solving, this project also touches on communication and collaboration skills as students worked together to bring their final product to life.

More importantly, by capturing the Veterans Day Parade, a moment honoring the service and sacrifices of our nation’s heroes, students also connected their learning to the broader community. Their work helped elevate a meaningful tradition, providing families and residents with a new perspective on an event rooted in gratitude, remembrance, and civic pride.

As Butler County Schools continues to support student-centered learning, programs like Mr. Tyree’s stand as powerful examples of how academic and career training can intersect with service, creativity, and real-world applications. The district is proud to celebrate Isaiah, Cameron, Kegan, Ian, Kaden, and all the UAS students who contributed to this project. Their work showcases the innovative learning and community partnerships that strengthen Butler County and prepare students to thrive in an ever-changing world.

By embracing challenges, thinking critically, and applying their skills in meaningful ways, these students embody what it means to be Butler County learners today and leaders tomorrow.

Together, experiences like this remind us of the strength, resilience, and unity that define our schools and community.

One team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong.