Brandon Muncy - Kern Valley Sun

Children flocked to Kernville Airport on Wednesday morning to participate in the Young Eagles program. Approximately 50 children, including members of the Boys and Girls Club of Kern River Valley, Kern Valley Youth Center, South Fork summer school and Kern Valley Sheriff's Activity League showed up for the morning event.

Young Eagles is 'an organization of pilots that takes kids for rides and introduces them to flying,' according to Rotarian and pilot Denny Rushton. Children become a Young Eagle after they have taken a flight and been presented a certificate. Participants enjoyed a scenic flight around the lake. The event takes place once a year. Pilots Denny Rushton and Robert Riggs took the Young Eagles in the air.

Cherish Reed and Kimberly Garcia nervously await their flight on Wednesday morning at Kernville Airport.

According to the Young Eagles website, 'Aviation is exciting and vital to our nation's future. [Children] will experience an enjoyable flight that will give them new perspectives on the world and life in general.'

'[Riding in the plane] was pretty cool, I thought it was going to be scary. It was smooth and I saw lots of cool stuff,' said Young Eagle, Issac Arana, 'if you sit in the front you even get to steer the plane for a while.'

Rotary of the Kern River Valley President, Marie Rushton gave a special presentaton to Rick Jones' canine at the event. 'Baby' became the first nonhuman Young Eagle. 'He participates, lets the kids pet him, pays attention and he is so well behaved,' said Rushton.

Everyone who attended the event was treated to lunch, cooked by many volunteers from around the Kern River Valley. The event was sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Kern River Valley.