Malachi is a 2021 Graduate of Toledo Public Schools’ Aerospace & Natural Science Academy of Toledo (ANSAT).
He earned his pilot’s license mid-February at age 17, just before his 18th birthday. His instructor says “getting a pilot’s license is extensive, but so is the program here at ANSAT. He’s been working six days a week-evenings and weekends at times- with us, to complete his training,” Richard Navel, Aviation Director said.
Malachi has known he wanted to be a pilot since the age of seven. “In Saint Kitts they don’t have gates, they have stairs. So when you get off the lane you walk by and you see all the planes right there on the ramp and it was just a great experience,” he said.
In 2017, Malachi was expelled from Central Catholic for refusing to cut his dreadlocks. His family is from the Virgin Islands and dreadlocks are a large part of his cultural heritage. They gave him the option to cut them, or be expelled. The school administration even went as far as to have the police escort him off the school’s property. Rather than remain angry, he used it as fuel to achieve his lifelong dream. He left the school and enrolled at ANSAT. “it just made me a better person and it taught me more about life,” Malachi said.
Last week, he walked across the stage to receive his diploma. He has been accepted into 30 different colleges and seeks to earn his commercial pilot’s license next. We are excited to see Malachi soar!
After graduation he’d like to attend Jacksonville University in Florida, but that’s just the start.
“At the age of 22 or 23, my plan is to be flying regional airlines. Probably Skywest,” he said. “Probably build up hours and then go to Delta or American. Whoever takes me”.
It’s a goal that has him aiming to be on top of the world.
Malachi also wanted to be sure to thank Toledo Public Schools and superintendent Romules Durant, EdD, for taking him in and giving him a place to succeed.