Greene County High School Student Flies High

Greene County High School senior Aiden Tirado has dreamed of becoming a pilot since childhood. And at 18, they're already making it happen. In this profile by student reporter Tammy Parker, Aiden shares how they overcame self-doubt, saved up for flight classes at their local regional airport, and are earning their pilot's license while balancing school and work. 

Eighteen-year-old Aiden Tirado is a senior attending Greene County High School. Like many other students their age, Aiden came into high school with a dream of what they would become one day. In their case, this was becoming a pilot. But unlike some, they actually began working to make this “dream” a reality starting in the summer of 2025.

Due to their own self-doubt and others' doubts, their judgment was clouded. They believed they’d never become a pilot. However, as the years went by, their desire to fly never faded. Aiden spoke to plenty of pilots who came to the high school, listening intently to the stories they had to share. Finally, after one life-changing discovery flight, Aiden knew it was well past time to put in the effort to make this their genuine career.

While balancing work and school, they began saving up the money to attend flight classes at their local regional airport. Instead of indulging in consumer goods like every other teen nowadays, Aiden decided to invest the money into their future. With the help of their JROTC instructors, who taught them to work hard and study harder, Aiden was able to balance their aviation classes with their regular schoolwork impressively well.

Thanks to Aiden’s wonderful support system, they've made great strides in their desired field. In just six months of attending flight classes, they've earned their student pilot’s license. Not only this, but they’re currently studying tirelessly to earn their private pilot's license shortly after they graduate in May.

Aiden plans to continue their journey towards a successful career as a pilot. After graduation, Aiden has decided to attend Middle Georgia State University to obtain the remaining qualifications needed to work their dream job. Even if life doesn’t quite go as planned, their stunning perseverance and passion for flying go beyond the average challenge brought on by the everyday perils of life.

Just as Aiden said, “You don’t need to have your whole life figured out, but you do need to be willing to keep going when things are hard. Dreams don’t disappear when you stop believing.”