Over a decade ago, Westfield Technical Academy began offering an aviation technology program to its students — the only one in western Massachusetts. Now, a gift from a local supporter is allowing these students to take what they’ve learned to the next level, and the program is showing their appreciation.
When you think of transportation at schools, your mind may go to buses, cars, or even bicycles. But how about a brand-new multi-engine airplane?
“Tremendous opportunity for our students to gain access to twin engine aircraft. To better align ourselves with the FAA curriculum,” said Career Technical Education Director at Westfield Tech’s Peter Taloumis.
This Cessna 310 multi-engine aircraft was donated to Westfield Tech’s aviation program to help students get real-world experience working with a complex airplane. Benjamin Surner, a former pilot himself for fifty years, donated the plane after a heart condition legally forced him to stop flying — $100,000 seemingly down the drain, “under the FAA medical conditions I couldn’t get reissued my medical, so therefore I could not fly the airplane legally anymore.”
So, after letting the plane sit around for a bit, a phone call was made.
“Approached one of our instructors at the academy and said, hey, I have an airplane and I know you have an aviation department. Could you connect me with that person? And it happened to be me,” said the Department Head of Westfield Technical Academy Aviation Program Galen Wilson, “It’s a brand-new toy. And it’s tight. It’s ready to go. Matter of fact, we could jump in this airplane right now and fly it. It’s that ready to go.”
We didn’t take it for a spin of course, but students in the program confirmed it was ready through training today. They went through maintenance and inspection procedures, while learning about the engine systems and operational components in the plane,
“Working around planes, like, it makes me excited to see what I could do in the future,” said Westfield Tech student Korena Bradley.
So, what influenced Surner to donate it to a high school of all places?
“I graduated from Framingham Vocational High School back in 1959, and as an automotive mechanic, so I am a big fan of trade schools,” Surner said, “I just look at these kids, and I think back to where I was, and I think it’s great. It just makes me feel very good.”
As good as he was feeling, the students wanted to show their appreciation and make him feel even better. You see, Surner flew with a plushie of M.J. from Looney Tunes for fifty years. So, students put a sticker on the plane’s side — with Surner’s name and picture of the frog to commemorate him.
Even though he was giving up his plane, his legacy continued on.
https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/06/17/westfield-tech-students-soaring-with-donated-plane/
When you think of transportation at schools, your mind may go to buses, cars, or even bicycles. But how about a brand-new multi-engine airplane?
“Tremendous opportunity for our students to gain access to twin engine aircraft. To better align ourselves with the FAA curriculum,” said Career Technical Education Director at Westfield Tech’s Peter Taloumis.
This Cessna 310 multi-engine aircraft was donated to Westfield Tech’s aviation program to help students get real-world experience working with a complex airplane. Benjamin Surner, a former pilot himself for fifty years, donated the plane after a heart condition legally forced him to stop flying — $100,000 seemingly down the drain, “under the FAA medical conditions I couldn’t get reissued my medical, so therefore I could not fly the airplane legally anymore.”
So, after letting the plane sit around for a bit, a phone call was made.
“Approached one of our instructors at the academy and said, hey, I have an airplane and I know you have an aviation department. Could you connect me with that person? And it happened to be me,” said the Department Head of Westfield Technical Academy Aviation Program Galen Wilson, “It’s a brand-new toy. And it’s tight. It’s ready to go. Matter of fact, we could jump in this airplane right now and fly it. It’s that ready to go.”
We didn’t take it for a spin of course, but students in the program confirmed it was ready through training today. They went through maintenance and inspection procedures, while learning about the engine systems and operational components in the plane,
“Working around planes, like, it makes me excited to see what I could do in the future,” said Westfield Tech student Korena Bradley.
So, what influenced Surner to donate it to a high school of all places?
“I graduated from Framingham Vocational High School back in 1959, and as an automotive mechanic, so I am a big fan of trade schools,” Surner said, “I just look at these kids, and I think back to where I was, and I think it’s great. It just makes me feel very good.”
As good as he was feeling, the students wanted to show their appreciation and make him feel even better. You see, Surner flew with a plushie of M.J. from Looney Tunes for fifty years. So, students put a sticker on the plane’s side — with Surner’s name and picture of the frog to commemorate him.
Even though he was giving up his plane, his legacy continued on.
https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/06/17/westfield-tech-students-soaring-with-donated-plane/
Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, for the Juneteenth Holiday. Thank you.
Missed the Season Finale of Superintendent’s Spotlight? Tune in as we celebrate retiring WTA Principal Bruce Hastings, welcome incoming Principal Daniel Paquette, and enjoy a sweet visit from WTA’s Culinary Arts students and staff in honor of National German Chocolate Cake Day! Thanks for watching and supporting Superintendent’s Spotlight all season long!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v1noGAeCXo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v1noGAeCXo
🌟 Discover the Difference at Westfield Public Schools! 🌟
Westfield Public Schools is excited to announce that a limited number of School Choice seats are available for the 2026–2027 school year at our elementary schools, Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School, and Westfield High School!
Through Massachusetts School Choice, families can choose to enroll their children in Westfield Public Schools regardless of where they live—at no cost to parents.
Why choose Westfield?
✅ Strong academic programs
✅ Exceptional teachers and staff
✅ Career and technical education opportunities
✅ Early College and Innovation Pathways programs
✅ A wide variety of extracurricular activities, athletics, and student supports
Don't miss this opportunity to become part of a school community dedicated to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed.
For more information and application details, please visit:
https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/.../announce...
We look forward to welcoming new students and families to Westfield Public Schools!
Westfield Public Schools is excited to announce that a limited number of School Choice seats are available for the 2026–2027 school year at our elementary schools, Westfield Intermediate School, Westfield Middle School, and Westfield High School!
Through Massachusetts School Choice, families can choose to enroll their children in Westfield Public Schools regardless of where they live—at no cost to parents.
Why choose Westfield?
✅ Strong academic programs
✅ Exceptional teachers and staff
✅ Career and technical education opportunities
✅ Early College and Innovation Pathways programs
✅ A wide variety of extracurricular activities, athletics, and student supports
Don't miss this opportunity to become part of a school community dedicated to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed.
For more information and application details, please visit:
https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/.../announce...
We look forward to welcoming new students and families to Westfield Public Schools!
Westfield Technical Academy conferred diplomas to 118 members of the class of 2026 at a commencement ceremony at Bullens field on June 4. The class was led by valedictorian Jeffrey Vella and the salutatorian Andrew Galczynski.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/westfield-technical-academy-commends-class-of-2026.html
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/westfield-technical-academy-commends-class-of-2026.html
Westfield Technical Academy put a runner in scoring position in all six innings in which they batted, scored three runs with a two-out rally in the fifth, and leaned on the arm of senior pitcher Antonio Simpson. Those three things resulted in one big Round of 32 victory for the Tigers in the Division 5 baseball tournament.
Simpson scattered five hits over seven full innings, struck out one batter and walked just two as 11th seeded Westfield Tech outlasted No. 22 Cape Cod Tech, 4-1, Monday at Bullens Field.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/westfield-technical-academy-baseball-advances-to-round-of-16.html
Simpson scattered five hits over seven full innings, struck out one batter and walked just two as 11th seeded Westfield Tech outlasted No. 22 Cape Cod Tech, 4-1, Monday at Bullens Field.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/westfield-technical-academy-baseball-advances-to-round-of-16.html
Westfield Technical Academy Aviation department head Galen Wilson welcomed families, friends and dignitaries to the aviation maintenance technology graduation for the Class of 2026.
Following the singing of the national anthem by AMT underclassman Lucas Imbriglio, Wilson said the Class of 2026 has many aspirations; they are industry-bound and college-bound. He said a couple of the students may do something other than aviation, but they can always circle back around.
“None of them quit, none of them gave up,” Wilson said, despite the very difficult coursework. “I did it at 24-25 years old in college. I know it’s a struggle. I saw students in my class years ago wash out.” he said.
Mayor Michael McCabe presented each student with a certificate from the city and from the Senate on behalf of state Sen. John Velis, and he asked members of the 104th Fighter Wing, who were there in support, to stand and be recognized.
State Rep. Kelly Pease also presented the students with certificates from the House of Representatives. “It’s always a pleasure. I was here for the first graduation in 2019 as an aide to Senator [Donald] Humason,” he said.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said his last year as principal of Westfield Technical Academy in 2015 was the first freshman class for aviation maintenance technology. Czaporowski said 2026 is the 10th anniversary of having students in the AMT program at WTA, which was the first in the state and third in the country.
AMT instructor Timothy Pfau awarded coins, an Air Force tradition, to distinguish past and present AMT graduates who received their FAA airframe license certification. Adam Kominski, Joshua Masse, Mark Poznyur, Kailyn Hawley, Maya Reyes and Owen O’Brien were awarded coins in the past.
Also distinguished for receiving FAA airframe license certification was Sophia Bazukin of the class of 2026, the first student to receive the certification before graduation. Her sister Lidia Bazukin, class of 2020, was the very first AMT student at WTA to receive a coin for FAA airframe certification.
Sophia Bazukin, who has apprenticed at Gulfstream since her sophomore year, has accepted an offer at Gulfstream for a full-time AMT position.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/class-of-2026-honored-at-westfield-technical-academy-aviation-ceremony.html
Following the singing of the national anthem by AMT underclassman Lucas Imbriglio, Wilson said the Class of 2026 has many aspirations; they are industry-bound and college-bound. He said a couple of the students may do something other than aviation, but they can always circle back around.
“None of them quit, none of them gave up,” Wilson said, despite the very difficult coursework. “I did it at 24-25 years old in college. I know it’s a struggle. I saw students in my class years ago wash out.” he said.
Mayor Michael McCabe presented each student with a certificate from the city and from the Senate on behalf of state Sen. John Velis, and he asked members of the 104th Fighter Wing, who were there in support, to stand and be recognized.
State Rep. Kelly Pease also presented the students with certificates from the House of Representatives. “It’s always a pleasure. I was here for the first graduation in 2019 as an aide to Senator [Donald] Humason,” he said.
Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said his last year as principal of Westfield Technical Academy in 2015 was the first freshman class for aviation maintenance technology. Czaporowski said 2026 is the 10th anniversary of having students in the AMT program at WTA, which was the first in the state and third in the country.
AMT instructor Timothy Pfau awarded coins, an Air Force tradition, to distinguish past and present AMT graduates who received their FAA airframe license certification. Adam Kominski, Joshua Masse, Mark Poznyur, Kailyn Hawley, Maya Reyes and Owen O’Brien were awarded coins in the past.
Also distinguished for receiving FAA airframe license certification was Sophia Bazukin of the class of 2026, the first student to receive the certification before graduation. Her sister Lidia Bazukin, class of 2020, was the very first AMT student at WTA to receive a coin for FAA airframe certification.
Sophia Bazukin, who has apprenticed at Gulfstream since her sophomore year, has accepted an offer at Gulfstream for a full-time AMT position.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/06/class-of-2026-honored-at-westfield-technical-academy-aviation-ceremony.html
Show up. Learn. Grow. Repeat. Every day in school = one step closer to your goals! #everydaycounts
Westfield Public Schools has a limited number of School Choice seats available for the 2026-2027 school year at our elementary schools, intermediate and middle school, and Westfield High School. The School Choice program allows parents to send their children to schools in communities other than the city or town in which they reside at no cost. Please visit https://westfieldpubma.sites.thrillshare.com/page/announcement-of-school-choice for more information.
Westfield Technical Academy is continuing its streak of representing Massachusetts in the SkillsUSA national competition.
Next week, sophomore Elias Layng will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, accompanied by his IT instructor Scott Lockwood and WTA’s SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor Angel Arenas Nieves, to compete for a medal in the Internet of Things. Layng earned the trip after winning the gold medal in Internet of Things in the state competition.
Arenas Nieves said, overall, the 23 competitors that WTA took to the state competition in Marlborough on April 30 and May 1 brought home a total of 27 silver and gold medals.
“Among the highlights, we had a two-member team earn silver in the Cybersecurity competition,” Arenas Nieves said, referring to the silver medal team of William Torres-Ortiz and Kaif Khan.
“Additionally, Eli Layng earned a gold medal in Internet of Things and will be advancing to the National Leadership & Skills Conference,” Arenas Nieves said. The group will be travelling to Atlanta, Georgia from June 1-6 for nationals.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-technical-academy-student-to-compete-in-skillsusa-nationals.html
Next week, sophomore Elias Layng will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, accompanied by his IT instructor Scott Lockwood and WTA’s SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor Angel Arenas Nieves, to compete for a medal in the Internet of Things. Layng earned the trip after winning the gold medal in Internet of Things in the state competition.
Arenas Nieves said, overall, the 23 competitors that WTA took to the state competition in Marlborough on April 30 and May 1 brought home a total of 27 silver and gold medals.
“Among the highlights, we had a two-member team earn silver in the Cybersecurity competition,” Arenas Nieves said, referring to the silver medal team of William Torres-Ortiz and Kaif Khan.
“Additionally, Eli Layng earned a gold medal in Internet of Things and will be advancing to the National Leadership & Skills Conference,” Arenas Nieves said. The group will be travelling to Atlanta, Georgia from June 1-6 for nationals.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-technical-academy-student-to-compete-in-skillsusa-nationals.html
Missed last week’s episode of Superintendent’s Spotlight? Catch up at the link below! 🎥⬇️
This episode featured a great conversation with some of our outstanding student-athletes as they reflected on the spring sports season and shared their experiences representing Westfield Public Schools. We also had a little fun celebrating National Talk Like Yoda Day—because sometimes, learning and laughter go hand in hand.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Itypcx43p8
Thank you for watching and for continuing to support our students and schools! #WestfieldPublicSchools #SuperintendentsSpotlight #StudentAthletes #SpringSports
This episode featured a great conversation with some of our outstanding student-athletes as they reflected on the spring sports season and shared their experiences representing Westfield Public Schools. We also had a little fun celebrating National Talk Like Yoda Day—because sometimes, learning and laughter go hand in hand.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Itypcx43p8
Thank you for watching and for continuing to support our students and schools! #WestfieldPublicSchools #SuperintendentsSpotlight #StudentAthletes #SpringSports
Please click here for the latest newsletter from Westfield Public Schools. https://app.smore.com/n/95wjz
A reminder that Westfield Public Schools will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026. Thank you.
Every day in school matters—attendance builds success.
This week on Superintendent’s Spotlight, we welcomed Kelly Pease for an insightful conversation about the state budget process and issues impacting our schools and community.
We also enjoyed a delicious visit from the talented staff and students of Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts Program, who celebrated National Leg of Lamb Day with amazing lamb gyros!
Thank you for watching and supporting Westfield Public Schools!
🎥 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrO707rNtUc
We also enjoyed a delicious visit from the talented staff and students of Westfield Technical Academy Culinary Arts Program, who celebrated National Leg of Lamb Day with amazing lamb gyros!
Thank you for watching and supporting Westfield Public Schools!
🎥 Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrO707rNtUc
Today we celebrate our incredible school nurses—thank you for the care, compassion, and expertise you bring to our schools every single day. Your work keeps our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn. Happy School Nurses Day!
Gabriella Scottini has been named Westfield Technical Academy’s Outstanding Vocational Student for 2026. A senior in graphic communications, Scottini was recently honored along with 80 other students from across Massachusetts at the 40th Annual Outstanding Vocational Student Awards at Mechanics Hall in Worcester last month.
Each year, career technical schools across the state of Massachusetts nominate one student from each school who has demonstrated strong academic, technical and leadership skills.
The 40th anniversary marked a milestone in celebrating the achievements of career and technical education students who bridge academic excellence with real-world skills, leadership and community impact. The event also serves as a platform to inspire future generations in vocational and technical education.
Scottini was described at the awards ceremony by Lyndsay Grimsley, her art and communication instructor, as academically driven and college focused. Grimsley also said Scottini demonstrated exceptional academic excellence and leadership, holding multiple notable positions at WTA. She is the president of the class of 2026 and is part of the National Technical Honor Society and WTA Chapter SkillsUSA. Scottini is ranked third in her class and has earned 12 college credits through the Westfield Promise Early College program.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-senior-honored-as-outstanding-vocational-student-for-2026.html
Each year, career technical schools across the state of Massachusetts nominate one student from each school who has demonstrated strong academic, technical and leadership skills.
The 40th anniversary marked a milestone in celebrating the achievements of career and technical education students who bridge academic excellence with real-world skills, leadership and community impact. The event also serves as a platform to inspire future generations in vocational and technical education.
Scottini was described at the awards ceremony by Lyndsay Grimsley, her art and communication instructor, as academically driven and college focused. Grimsley also said Scottini demonstrated exceptional academic excellence and leadership, holding multiple notable positions at WTA. She is the president of the class of 2026 and is part of the National Technical Honor Society and WTA Chapter SkillsUSA. Scottini is ranked third in her class and has earned 12 college credits through the Westfield Promise Early College program.
https://www.masslive.com/westfieldnews/2026/05/westfield-senior-honored-as-outstanding-vocational-student-for-2026.html
Happy National Teacher Appreciation Day!
Thank you to our incredible teachers for your dedication, passion, and the difference you make every day. #ThankATeacher
Thank you to our incredible teachers for your dedication, passion, and the difference you make every day. #ThankATeacher
Hey students — showing up is your superpower. Each day you’re in class you level up your skills, meet friends, and get closer to your dreams. Be here. Be curious. Be unstoppable. #attendancematters
This week on Superintendent’s Spotlight, we had the pleasure of sitting down with George and Geana Delisle to highlight the incredible work of Kiwanis of Westfield and the meaningful impact they continue to make for our students and community. Students and staff from Westfield Technical Academy’s Culinary Arts Department also stopped by to celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day, and they did not disappoint! Community, connection, and a little sweetness, this episode had it all. Thanks for watching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-a1J1GLKCs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-a1J1GLKCs