Darryl Yaddaw, a 1991 graduate of Westmoreland Jr./Sr. High School, recently reflected on his high school experience and how it helped launch his career in aviation. In an interview with Media Productions student Mackenzie Hayes, Yaddaw shared his journey from the halls of Westmoreland to the skies above the U.S.

After high school, Yaddaw attended Mohawk Valley Community College before transferring to SUNY Oswego, where he earned a degree in marketing. But his true passion had always been flying. "I knew ever since my pre-teen years that I wanted to be a pilot," he said. After college, he entered the workforce and began taking flying lessons.

Today, Yaddaw is a flight captain for JetBlue Airways. His schedule varies depending on his assigned flights. “We could be getting up at 3 a.m. to head to work or at 5:00 in the afternoon,” he explained. Regardless of the time, he arrives at least an hour before departure to meet his flight crew and review important flight information. Together, the team performs safety inspections and prepares the aircraft for takeoff.

Over the years, Yaddaw has flown to numerous cities across the United States, but one destination remains a favorite. “Washington, D.C. has so many things to do, and so much of it is free—from the Air and Space Museum to the Smithsonian,” he shared.

During his time at Westmoreland, Yaddaw was actively involved in sports, participating in football, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. He encourages students to start pursuing their interests early. “Talk to as many people as you can in the field, go down to the airport and just get involved with it—saturate yourself with it,” he advised.

Thank you, Darryl Yaddaw, for sharing your story and providing insight into the exciting world of aviation!

Westmoreland Central School

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