November 25, 2025
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.
