The Creekview High School Aeronautics Team was the recipient of two very special donations this spring.

The team received a donation of six airplanes plus parts in honor of William Bill J. Malay, Jr. A member of the Georgia Model Aviators (GMA) for eight years, Mr. Malay fell in love with the sport as soon as he tried it. One of his favorite weekends was working as a volunteer for the Aero Design East competition (sponsored by SAE International and Lockheed Martin) where students majoring in aerospace from 75 universities around the world compete in a design, build and fly event. It's because of this love of seeing students experience model aviation that his wife, Nancy, knew donating to Creekview HS was the perfect fit for his planes.

The team also received a donation of more than 13 aircraft, engines and building accessories in honor of Ray Sweat, who passed away in January. Mr. Sweat had muscular dystrophy, but that did not stop him from pursuing his love of flight, and he often could be found at the GMA field flying his numerous aircraft and spending time with his grandfather, J.D. Sweat. During one of the Creekview HS teams fundraisers outside of Kroger, J.D. Sweat approached the team and asked if they would be interested in receiving the aircraft that Ray had enjoyed so much.

Ray loved to fly, J.D. Sweat said, and I know he would have wanted that love to be carried on and to make some high school students very happy.

We are so thankful for the thoughtfulness and generosity of both Mrs. Malay and Mr. Sweat, said teacher Todd Sharrock, one of the Aeronautics Team coaches. These aircraft and supplies give our program a huge boost and help us complete our mission of instilling the love of flight on the next generation.