Lannaman’s Preparatory School has launched an innovative aviation education program as the centerpiece of its 50th anniversary celebrations, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history. The initiative, formally unveiled on March 12 during week-long golden jubilee events, represents both a homecoming and a forward-looking educational advancement.
The newly established Lannaman’s Prep Flight Academy was made possible through a generous donation from alumnus Rajeev Brown, class of 1998, who currently serves as chief operating officer at Flying Classroom—an educational organization engaging over 3,000 schools across the United States. The aviation program features state-of-the-art flight simulation technology, including Microsoft Flight Simulator setups equipped with professional flight controls and computer systems that provide students with immersive introductory flying experiences.
Brown’s inspiration for the donation stems from his childhood fascination with aviation, nurtured during his daily commute past Tinson Pen airport. ‘I felt that for the 50th anniversary I personally wanted to bring back home a little piece of me—of that success, of that dream,’ Brown explained, emphasizing how the preparatory school helped shape his career trajectory.
The program aims to broaden career horizons rather than exclusively produce pilots. Brown highlighted its purpose as exposure to non-traditional career paths, noting that even students with established professional aspirations might discover new passions through aviation experiences.
Principal Trudy Hardy, who has led the institution for 25 years and is herself a former student, described the anniversary as profoundly nostalgic. She reflected on the school’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1975 when founder Marcia DeHaney started with just two students, through multiple relocations and challenges including a destructive fire that claimed kindergarten classrooms.
Today, Lannaman’s Prep serves approximately 325 students with a comprehensive curriculum that now includes aviation studies alongside core subjects. The school boasts exceptional performance across academic and extracurricular domains, with notable achievements in music, dance, speech, drama, debate, and sports including football championships and track and field accomplishments.
Principal Hardy expressed excitement about the aviation program’s potential and outlined expansion plans for the school’s physical infrastructure to accommodate more students while continuing to enhance technology-focused education. The anniversary celebrations culminated with a banquet at Jamaica Pegasus hotel honoring long-serving staff members, following a week of events including church services, balloon releases, student games, and talent showcases.