Cadets from the University of North Georgia (UNG) participated in several opportunities this spring that prepared them for potential careers in the Army Aviation Branch.

Five cadets attended the six-week UNG Cadet Aviation Ground School from January to March: James Champ, Cara Cooper, David Hoopaugh, Christian Key, and Samuel Pennell.

Champ, Hoopaugh and Pennell tallied the highest three scores on the final exam, and each received a $1,500 scholarship from the commandant of cadets to continue their aviation education and flight experiences.

Hoopaugh said the experience heightened his desire to be an aviator, something he's aspired to do since being asked to accompany a pilot on a flight check as a teen. Ground school, he said, provided excellent insight into aviation in the Army. He said branching aviation would be "a dream come true," but added that if he doesn't, he would "absolutely pursue flight lessons and what I could do to be able to fly, either privately or commercially."

"The ground school has definitely given me an insight into what I'm getting myself into with aviation as my No. 1 branch choice. I've always had an interest in flying and being in the sky," the junior from Gainesville, Georgia, said. "Ground school was an excellent way to get more knowledge of the profession."

Hoopaugh is pursuing a degree in cybersecurity.

Like Hoopaugh, Key hopes to commission into the Army and branch aviation. The ground school affirmed his career plan.

"Ground school gave me an overview of the diverse and complex concepts aviators must master to be effective pilots. Overall, my biggest takeaway from the course is that flying is an unforgiving field, but also the most rewarding," the junior from Decatur, Alabama, said.

Key is pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies with a concentration in intelligence.

Champ, Cooper, Key, and Pennell travelled to Fort Novosel, Alabama for Army aviation professional development along with fellow cadets Jeremy Calhoun, Andrew Ellis, James Hudson, Chase Martin, and Jaden P. Wilbor.

Key was grateful for the opportunity as it brought him greater awareness and understanding of Army aviation. His interest in the occupation was inspired by his grandfather's military career and has grown since enrolling at UNG.

"Going to Fort Novosel allowed me to understand the roles of an Army aviator and learn what the next steps after graduation will be if I branch aviation. I had the opportunity to link up with UNG alumni going through Flight School and learn from their experiences of branching aviation and their current path forward," he said. "Overall, the Fort Novosel trip refueled my passion for flying and further motivated me to put in the work to get there."

Sgt. Maj. Lance Anderson, military science staff member, attended the event along with retired Lt. Col. Heath Williams, executive director of cadet career success.