Air show intern on Cloud Nine

Jessica Pavelka’s grandfather was a World War II fighter pilot. Her dad loves aviation. And now, through a summer internship, she’s spending her days at Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport, helping to promote the annual Cleveland Air Show Aug. 30-31 and Sept. 1.

 

As a marketing assistant for the air show, Jessica, a senior public relations major, is getting a thrill from behind the scenes as she helps to promote the show and secure sponsors. She’s also responsible for maintaining the show’s website, http://www.clevelandairshow.com.

 

“I started volunteering (at the air show) with my brother, Robbie, when I was 13, and my dad has volunteered for close to 30 years,” she says. “So I was acquainted with those who put the show together.”

 

But actually being behind the scenes and having a role in the show coming together? “It’s the best,” says Jessica.

 

Because the air show has been part of her life and because she’s now on scene, she can rattle off of the history of the show as well as this year’s highlights like a professional PR practitioner:

 

“The featured jet team will be the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. They’re always a crowd favorite. Everyone loves them,” she says. “The gates open at 9 a.m. each day of the air show, and the Blue Angels will be the last act of the day.”

 

Indeed, the weekend agenda is jam-packed with family-friendly activities both in the air and on the ground. “You can look at planes, touch planes, sit in a cockpit, meet the pilots,” Jessica says. “There’s so much to do and see.”

 

Not only is she enjoying the aviation environment, working this internship has provided confirmation for the soon-to-be graduate that she has chosen the right career path. “I just realized that this is what I want to be doing.”

 

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