Holy Names Catholic School

On Tuesday October 20, 2009, Lisa Slate and Captain Al Smith spoke to the 3rd through 8Th grade students of the Holy Names Catholic School. Each year during Aviation Week, aviation professionals volunteer to share their knowledge with students in the Greater Memphis area.

Ms. Slate and Captain Smith met with Ms. Barr, the school counselor. Lisa Slate is a Senior Aviation Maintenance Technician in FedEx Express' Powerplant Shop. She stressed the importance of a good education and told the student about the knowledge and training she received from Christian Brothers University, Tennessee Technology Center, Pratt & Whitney and GE Aviation. She said the training gave her the expertise and confidence that she needs to repairs and maintains FedEx Express' jet engines.

Al Smith is a FedEx Express Captain on the Airbus 300. Captain Smith told the students that he graduated from the University of North Carolina and received his flight training while serving in the United States Air Force. One of the students as him where he had flown. He answered all over the world. Then he told them about his service to America during the first Gulf War. Lisa Slate and Captain Smith ended their talk stressing to the students their potential and the opportunities available to them in Aviation.



Lisa R. Slate and Capt Al Smith



I really enjoyed Mr. Smith and Ms. Slate. The children enjoyed them as well. They asked a lot of questions about the aircrafts. They were really enthused about how much fuel the airplanes can hold, and the rate of speed they can go. They were well prepared for their presentation. I would like to thank you once again. I would like for them to also visit St Patrick Catholic School whenever their schedule will allow. The best time for this school is 1:00 in the afternoon. Please call me at 901-949-2674 concerning this matter.

Thank You,
Catherine Barr
School Counselor