ADAMS TWP — Parents of Mars High School students attending aviation classes are seeking transportation for the students.

The parents are seeking a van to drive students from the high school to the Beaver County Airport where the Community College of Beaver County is holding classes for its Aviation Academy.

“This is a fabulous opportunity for our students,” said parent Mary Ann McCulloch-Beatty of the program, “aviation is in need of pilots.”

Six students ranging from sophomore to senior year are enrolled in the program, which was introduced to Mars High School this school year. The students either have to drive themselves to the airport or parents drive them there.

“We’re concerned about their safety and success,” McCulloch-Beatty said of the students. “Some of these students aren’t old enough to drive.”

The school board had the price of the van figured at about $20,000. However, McCulloch-Beatty said it will not cost that much because semesters at the college end before the high school.

The school board decided to table the vote to another time.

“One day, one of these aviation students is going to save the world,” said parent Tammy Kessler.

“Whether there are six students or 60, if one of them becomes injured, what is the value of that?” parent Rich Bercik said.

The college funds the program through its foundation and federal Pell grants.

High school students can receive college credit through the program, which is held each semester. They learn about flight, air traffic control and other aviation aspects at the Aviation Science Center near the airport.

“We’re excited to bring it (program) to the Mars School District and the kids are having a great experience,” school board President Dayle Ferguson said.