What's Happening

Jemicy makes the difference! Then & Now: Hovercraft & Bushcat. >>

1/6/2022

Some of Jemicy Upper School’s industrial design students are building a light aircraft with experienced light craft builders at a local sky park. Along with teachers August DiMucci and Sean Lally, a few alums have joined in, too: alum and current Jemicy trustee Nate Tower ’80; alum Steve Dziuba ’84; and alum Sam Gensler ’14, who is now teaching at the US.

As our students assemble, inspect, assess, and adjust or rework parts of the aircraft where needed, they gain an understanding of mechanics, physics, and materials science in addition to honing their teamwork and critical thinking skills through an experience that will last a lifetime.

We’re sure no one at Jemicy could have predicted that what began with Joe Chidester, Mark Westervelt, and their students scratch-building a hovercraft would lead to students today building an airworthy craft that requires a valid pilot’s license to fly!

Back

Kline Price III ’81 working on the hovercraft around 1980.
Nate Tower ’80 checking out the hovercraft in the 1970s. Nate is now a member of the Jemicy board of trustees!
Members of the Bushcat build team with alum and teacher Sam Gensler ’14 (rear right), pause for a photo with the frame assembly.