The History of Air Academy High School
For fifty years, Air Academy has maintained the same spirit of humanism and tradition of excellence that was established early on in its creation. "It's in the bricks," states former AAHS Principal Julie Fairley. What "it" is can be difficult to explain. However, something unparalled is definitely within the walls of Air Academy that every Kadet, past and present, can attest to. Air Academy has always been distinctive in several ways. It is the oldest high school in Academy School District 20, which has a total of five high schools. In addition, Air Academy is the only public high school located on a military installation, the United States Air Force Academy. However, these distinctions alone cannot account for the singular personality found within these halls.
Brink Spear, retired Air Academy English Teacher and member of the Air Academy Class of 1964, attributes the traditions of academic excellence and humanistic education to John Asbury. Mr. Asbury was Air Academy's second principal. His portrait still hangs in the library. "He set the whole philosophy for the district," explains Mr. Spear. "He was a man who believed in knowing the students, caring about the students, and making it kind of a fun place and comfortable place to be." Indeed, a family-feeling at Air Academy seems to have always existed and still serves to make the school a warm and welcoming home for students, alumni, and faculty.
Another important aspect of Air Academy is the community. Former Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Mike Lynch boasts, "Our clientele is second to none." Kadets have always come from families who believe in education and have been willing to support the school. Despite the constantly growing population in District 20, that has not changed.
Certainly, one of the biggest factors in Air Academy's success has been the people. "We have incredibly creative teachers who are, in their own right, individual talents," states Mrs. Palmer. They believe in the students and the school. Many faculty members at Air Academy have taught at the school for over two decades, which aids in establishing strong traditions.
Air Academy is a high school second to none and it will always hold a cherished spot in the hearts of its alumni. Students from Air Academy have gone on to great success thanks to the education they received from Air Academy and the relationships they created while they were there. The Air Academy High School Alumni Association is dedicated to preserving the tradition of academic excellence and devotion to humanistic education that has made Air Academy great for fifty years. We invite all Kadets to join us in ensuring that Air Academy enjoys another fifty years of excellence.