Derrick Henry:
CLASS OF 1971
Westinghouse High SchoolClass of 1971
Chicago, IL
Washington Irving High SchoolClass of 1989
New york, NY
Sangamon State UniversityClass of 1980
Springfield, IL
Southwest Junior CollegeClass of 1976
Chicago, IL
Jacob A. Riis Elementary SchoolClass of 1967
Chicago, IL
Derrick's Story
Life
After graduating, I pursued studies in the field of aviation. I reached a lifelong goal of becoming a licensed certificated airplane pilot and instructor (see college bio.),Became a
Commander in the USAF Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, Worked as a community aide with the Chicago Housing Authority,Worked as a caseworker with the Illinois Dept. of Public Aid.Worked as an administrator for a non profit agency. I took my current job as teacher with the New York City Dept. of Education in 1985. I am a teacher of flight technology and teacher of special education.Also taught courses in video production. I came to New York in 1985. The job market was terrible, in Illinois, in 1985. It was a difficult decision to leave Chicago. I've had many successful students. They range from professional baseball players to airline pilots. I've recently completed my 26th year.I have a video production business. Some of my work was shown on CNN News.Worked on projects with professional writers and cinematographers.Served as an NCAA university basketball videographer.Also served as a high school basketball videographer. I'm still an active pilot. I'm in Chicago yearly to take part in a memorial formation flight.One of the aviators that we honor was a teacher at Westinghouse with an extensive background in aviation. I am talking about Ms. Chappell, who taught business. I am becoming active with the Tuskegee Airmen organization.Was taught by one of the Original Tuskegee Airmen, Eugene H. Edmonds. My first flight instructor was Captain Earl E.Rogers, a recently retired airline captain and aviation author. Eugene Edmonds and Captain Earl Rogers were the 2 most important individuals that fostered my aerospace education. I hope to open an aviation school after retirement. . I've reached the majority of my personal and professional goals. Retired from the New York City School System on July 1, 2012. Relocated back to the Chicago Area Sept. 2013 from the New York City/ New Jersey Area.
School
I can truthfully say that I received a top notch education at Westinghouse. I can think of many...Expand for more
teachers who inspired me. A few were: Mr. U.C. Coates, Ms. Yangas, "Father Anderson" 1SGT Hobsheid, Mr Ferguson,Mr. Jackson, Mr. Stepp, Ms. Willa Chappell and of course, Mr. Payne.
I use the knowledge and skills , passed on to me from these great teachers on a daily basis. I occasionally get to talk about these fine educators to my students in the New York City School System.
College
M.ED University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 1981
NASA Certification, Lunar Moonrocks Samples Program.
B.A. Sangamon State University, Springfield, Illinois. 1980
A.A.S. Aviation Administration, Daley College, Chicago, Illinois. 1977
A.A.S. General Aviation, Southwest College, Chicago, Illinois. 1976
Completed Advanced Certificate programs in: FAA Certified Basic And Advanced Ground School Instructor, Air Traffic Control Procedures and Aviation Administration.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois.Completed and obtained FAA Pilot Certification. 1975.
Workplace
After graduation, I worked as a day camp director with the Chicago Boys Clubs. While attending Southuest College, served as a student media center supervisor.Worked as a community aide with the Chicago Housing Authority,.Was an audio-visual technician while attending Sangamon State University,Worked in instructional television as a camerman for the University of Illinois. From 1981-1982,worked as a caseworker with the Illinois Department of Public Aid. From 1982-1985,served as a Job placement and training coordinator for a non-profit organization. In 1985,I began working on my current job as a teacher of special education and teacher of flight technology with the New York City Bd.of Ed. Also taught courses in video production. Retired from the New York City School System, on July 1, 2012, after 26 years of service.
POST RETIREMENT ACTIVITIES
I serve my church as a trustee and sound tech, volunteer in the Tuskegee Airmen/Young Eagles Program as a flight simulator instructor, Serving as an aviation instructor in an After School Matters program and a part time Aviation Tutor in a Chicago Public School.
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