Barrington Irving, who secured his place in history as the youngest person and first black pilot to fly solo around the globe, made a stop in Astoria last week to speak to middle school students at I.S. 10.
Irving is now traveling across the country to encourage young people to consider careers in aviation, engineering and science.
Irving flew 30,000 miles in 97 days in a single-engine aircraft called Inspiration, encountering thunderstorms, snowstorms, icing, sand storms and monsoons along the way. His purpose in making the trip was to show other youth that if he could achieve his dream, they can too.
Mitsubishi sponsored Irving’s trip to the Astoria school and has funded his motivational speaking tour, “Mitsubishi Dream & Soar: Youth in Aviation.”
“I believe the sponsorship will allow me to share my educational and motivational message with a growing number of students and to introduce them to careers in aviation,” said Irving. “I want to show them that pursuing a career in this exciting industry can enable them to realize their dreams – just as I did.”
“We are thrilled and honored to be hosting a true American hero at I.S. 10,” said I.S. 10 principal Clemente Lopes.
