(Los Angeles, CA) — Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) joined with United Airlines to welcome thirteen middle and high school students and their chaperones from Humboldt County to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) yesterday. Upon their arrival, United staff members took the students on a tour of the airfield and explained how passenger luggage is handled, sorted and assigned to specific baggage claim areas. During the tour, workers emphasized the company’s focus on employee professionalism, timeliness and following safety procedures at all times. From there, the tour continued into United’s Station Operations Control where flights are managed and coordinated to ensure timely departures. Students toured the Emergency Operations Center where the airline handles crises, and the group also learned about different career options in the Aviation industry.

“At LAX, everyone is welcome, and we are excited that the students from Humboldt County were able to step outside of their comfort zones and explore Southern California and all that it has to offer,” said Trevor Daley, LAWA Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs. “This trip, once again, reminds people throughout Humboldt County that United offers this new, nonstop service to Los Angeles daily from their area, and we hope many people will take advantage of it.”

The trip from Humboldt County resonated strongly with Arcata High School Junior Max Rice. “This trip has really helped show us the different opportunities that we can have and the different things you can do in life. Not everything is in your area. Sometimes, you have to move out and explore other things in life.”

The students were chosen to attend the trip due to their academic achievements, community service and their roles as positive ambassadors for their schools. According to Heidi Moore-Guynup, Assistant Superintendent of Humboldt County Office of Education, many of the students have overcome obstacles to succeed.  

“With our distance from a major urban area, many of these students would not otherwise have the opportunity to leave Humboldt County and so this is an amazing, eye-opening journey for them,” said Moore-Guynup. “It gives them exposure to the rest of the world and during the tour they are really highlighting workforce competencies that are going to be important for our young people to be aware of as they pursue their future careers,”

While the group’s tour was filled with educational components, they also experienced fun and adventure in the Los Angeles area. LAWA staffers took them on a tour of Sony Pictures Studio in Culver City, and they even had the chance to spend time on the set of “Jeopardy.” 

From there, the group enjoyed dinner at Cantalini’s in Playa del Rey thanks to Owner, Lisa Schwab. Finally, the students enjoyed a beautiful dessert boat cruise in Marina del Rey. 

This morning, the group departed LAX and returned to Humboldt County on United’s nonstop service. The thirteen students that traveled to LAX attend various Humboldt County Schools, including Eureka High, St. Bernard’s Academy, McKinleyville High, Fortuna High, South Fork High, Arcata High, Hoopa High and Ferndale High.