Finding Greatness: Adon Jerald

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Friday, August 30, 2024 12:00 AM
Categories: Students | School of Aviation | Finding Greatness | Pressroom

Eastman, GA

The Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins recently honored Adon Jerald, who is working on his degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, with a “Volunteer of the Year” award for his work helping restore a World War II-era aircraft.

Full Name:  Adon Jerald.

Age:  21.

Hometown:  Forsyth.

Residence: Cochran.

High School: North Gwinnett High school, where he participated in JROTC.

Employment: Full-time student.

Degree Objective: Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology.

Class Rank: Senior.

Primary Campus: Eastman.

Career Goals: “Aviation has been a lifelong passion. I've always known that working in this field would be something I would want to do for the rest of my life. My ultimate goal is to become a pilot. Upon acceptance into Middle Georgia State University, I decided it would be best to pursue aircraft maintenance because it was just as important, and I wanted to understand the maintenance side of aviation.”

He chose Middle Georgia State University because … “It has a great aviation program, and I feel that this school can help me achieve my career goals. I first learned about Middle Georgia State University and its aviation program when I was a sophomore in high school. I decided to take a tour of the Eastman campus, and I knew that this was the college for me. I grew up in the Atlanta metro area, but my grandparents are from Macon, so the Middle Georgia area was already quite familiar to me. The main reason I choose Middle Georgia State University is because of the college life and the reputable aviation program.”    

The greatest thing he discovered about Middle Georgia State was … “The friendliness of the community. When I first arrived on campus, I enjoyed making friends who shared my interests and career goals. That was something I did not expect when I initially applied to this school.”    

His greatest academic experience as a Middle Georgia State student has been …: The incredible opportunity to learn and connect with our amazing aviation faculty! In the spring semester of 2023, one of my aviation instructors told us about the need for students to volunteer at the Museum of Aviation. As a result, becoming connected with the museum has enhanced my academic life experience. I have had the honor and the privilege to restore a historic WW2-era aircraft at the Museum of Aviation. The nomination for and winning the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award was beyond my wildest expectations and I am so grateful for the acknowledgement.”

To him, greatness means … “Being good at what you do. Being great is not about money. Greatness means putting your all into the work that you do. That is what my parents taught me to do growing up. I must keep that mindset with any task, big or small. Another way to describe greatness would be having your name written in the book of history. That will be my next mountain to climb.”   

In five years … “After I graduate, I plan to begin my career in aviation maintenance, preferably at Delta Air Lines, and save up for flight school to become a pilot.”