On a warm spring day in April, the wide-open soccer fields at York Country Day School became a launchpad for curiosity, confidence, and possibility, thanks to a partnership between the school and York College of Pennsylvania.
Sixth-grade students enrolled in the school’s Drone Technologies elective course looked up at the clear skies as small drones buzzed to life, some even climbing 100 feet into the air. It was a hands-on experience led by a team of York College senior engineering students, all preparing to graduate in May, who wanted to share their expertise and excitement with the YCDS kids.
The college students worked in small groups with the YCDS students, guiding them through the basics of drone flight. With joystick-like controllers in hand and immersive headset goggles offering a pilot’s-eye view, the younger students didn’t waste any time jumping into action.
“It was really cool,” sixth grader Chigo Okereh said, recalling the moment he first used the goggles. “I thought we’d just fly a regular drone, but seeing through it while flying made it totally different.”
Building Skills That Go Beyond the Classroom
The Drone Technologies class, taught by Elizabeth Charleston, meets twice a week and introduces students to both the mechanics and real-world applications of drone flight. Before stepping onto the field, students learn the basics of flight, build simple drones, and even earn their recreational drone certification by completing the FAA’s “TRUST” test.
Charleston has been teaching the course for three years, and she says she has seen interest steadily grow.
“There’s a real curiosity about how drones fit into everyday life,” she said. “Students want to know how this technology connects to careers, whether that’s agriculture, engineering, or more.”
That curiosity is what sparked her collaboration with York College Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. Stephen (Drew) Wilkerson, whose drone program has expanded rapidly in recent years. What began as a small group has grown to at least 17 students. The drones that helped these YCDS students learn were funded in part by funding from the York County Community Foundation.
Charleston has even incorporated videos of Wilkerson’s work into her lessons, helping students connect classroom concepts to real-world applications.
“It’s been great to show them how drones are actually being used,” she said. “It makes everything feel real.”
Learning from Those Who’ve Taken Flight
For the college students leading the session, the day was just as meaningful. As seniors, they brought technical knowledge and a sense of mentorship to the experience.
“All of the YCDS students were incredibly curious about all aspects of the drones and how they are used overall,” York College senior Ryan Danielson ‘26 said.
Dr. Wilkerson emphasized how valuable that connection can be.
“The students are perfect to teach this,” he said. “These are the easiest drones to fly, and our students have all had hands-on experience. They’re in a great position to share what they know.”
He also underscored the growing importance of drone technology in the workforce.
“The better you are at drones, the better you’ll be prepared for a job when you’re older,” he told one curious middle schooler during the session.
Breaking Barriers: The First Female Drone Students
Among the college team were two trailblazers: Grace Wagaman and Caroline McCadden, the first female students in Dr. Wilkerson’s program.
Their presence on the York Country Day soccer field that day marked a meaningful milestone for the growing technological field.
Dr. Wilkerson praised their impact.
“They are standout students,” he said. “They’ve set a high bar and are helping to show that this field is open to everyone.”
Their leadership on the field that day was evident, not just in their technical skill, but in the way they connected with the younger students, answering questions, offering encouragement, and modeling confidence.
“The students at YCDS were very passionate and curious about the drones,” Wagaman said. “Curiosity isn't something you can force so it was nice seeing them this interested so early on.”
For the middle school girls watching, that representation mattered.
Sparking Curiosity
As drones landed and the session wrapped up, the energy on the field lingered. It started as a demonstration and became a glimpse into what’s possible in the future for today’s youth.
For Charleston, that’s the ultimate goal.
“You never know what’s going to click for a student,” she said. “But days like this, where they can see it, try it, and experience it, that’s where the spark happens.”
“I hope exposure to this technology sparks curiosity in the students to wonder how drones work and discover the answers to any questions they might think of,” senior Chris Pappas ‘26 said.
And on this warm April day, that spark was everywhere, hovering just above the field, waiting to take flight.
