In a captivating demonstration on December 8, 2023, students at Pioneer Academy in Wayne, New Jersey, witnessed the practical applications of drone technology, as officers from the Wayne Police Department flew a remote-controlled drone over the school grounds. The event aimed to educate the 448 students enrolled from pre-K to 12th grade on how such devices can be life-saving tools in emergency situations.
The highlight of the demonstration featured an 8-pound DJI Matrice 30T drone, which soared to an altitude of 150 feet—equivalent to the height of the Statue of Liberty. As the drone hovered above, children giggled and waved, spotting themselves on a TV monitor set up in a patrol car’s trunk. The atmosphere was light-hearted, but the message was serious: drones can make a significant difference in critical circumstances.
Real-Life Applications of Drone Technology
To illustrate the drone’s utility, police officers chose a student volunteer, simulating a distressed swimmer in need of rescue. The drone successfully dropped a life jacket to the student, demonstrating its potential role in search-and-rescue operations. Sgt. Pawel Jadczak, who led the demonstration, explained that drones assist law enforcement not only in emergencies but also in reconstructing traffic accidents and other investigative tasks. “You can do positive stuff with them,” he remarked.
In addition to the drone demonstration, the event marked the beginning of a week filled with STEM-related activities at Pioneer Academy. Students participated in a mathematics competition and a science fair, while some had the opportunity to visit the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. High school students welcomed a guest speaker from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, further enriching their educational experience.
Inspiring Future Innovators
The initiative was driven by Mela Kamara, an 11th-grade student who envisioned a broader understanding of drone technology among his peers. “I wanted to show them that there are other things you can do with drones,” said Mela, 16, from Bloomfield. He has also taken the initiative to form a drone club at the school, which currently boasts 15 members. The club has been actively building its own drones and plans to participate in a nationwide contest organized by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, a Texas-based nonprofit.
After the demonstration, Mela expressed enthusiasm for the potential careers in drone technology. “You can even have a future career with them,” he stated, highlighting the growing importance of such skills in today’s job market.
This engaging event not only showcased cutting-edge technology but also inspired students to explore the possibilities that lie ahead in the fields of science and technology.
