HAGERSTOWN – Greencastle-Antrim High School senior Sophie Bitner is gaining firsthand experience in the aviation industry this semester through an internship at Rider Jet Center, the fixed-base operator at Hagerstown Regional Airport.
Rider Jet Center provides fuel and aviation services for pilots and aircraft at the regional airport. General Manager Mike Barnhart said Greencastle-Antrim students have become a valued part of the company’s daily operations.
“Many of these students go on to careers in aviation, including flight schools or aviation colleges,” Barnhart said. Interns receive school credit and practical experience in the field.
Jenniffer Everetts, Greencastle-Antrim High School’s career coordinator, said Rider Jet Center has been a strong partner for the school’s internship program. “The students that have interned at Rider Jet Center have gone on to fulfilling opportunities in aviation, or other business-related career programs,” Everetts said.
Everetts described Bitner’s early days at the internship as positive. “After the first few days of her internship, I met with Sophie. She described her initial experiences as a dream,” Everetts said. “Both Sophie and the previous intern have had meaningful learning opportunities at Rider Jet Center. They appreciate the exposure to the aviation industry and meeting people connected to the field. I feel confident in saying their time with Rider Jet Center’s team has provided them wisdom and knowledge that significantly impacted their future.”
Bitner’s performance during her internship has led to a job offer. She is set to join Rider Jet Center’s payroll after the semester ends.
The partnership between Greencastle-Antrim School District and Rider Jet Center is one of several opportunities available to students, with 42 students participating in 65 career-building internships last year, according to district data.
