Abaco native Natasha Albury, 17, was recently appointed director of operations of the Florida Air Academy (FAA) Wing Diamond -- one of the top leadership positions among students at the Central Florida college-prep boarding and day school for boys and girls in grades six through 12.
The announcement came after Natasha, 17, from Hope Town, Abaco, completed the FAA Leadership School -- an invitation-only program that brings together approximately 50 boys and girls to attend leadership and communications classes and compete for top positions for the school year. The week culminated with the announcement of more than 20 student leaders, including the top-ranking positions with "The Wing Diamond".
Students invited to Leadership School at FAA must be recommended by at least two faculty members and have high personal and academic standings. Students spend the week learning about the challenges of leadership and communications, and work through issues such as conflict resolution, core values and developing people skills. Students are scored, reviewed and interviewed for top roles within the school and the five primary leadership positions within the Wing Diamond.
"I'm proud of myself," said Natasha, who is the daughter of Peter and Anna Albury.
In her newly appointed role she controls operations at the main desk and watches over the students, ensuring that they are doing their jobs.
"It's a major achievement to be chosen to attend Leadership School and to secure a position on the Wing Diamond is a huge honor. It carries a lot of responsibility within the school," said FAA Dean of Students David Graham.
Wing Diamond students must lead by example, consistently achieving and maintaining high standards. "It's a heavy load, and not for everyone, but fantastic preparation for college or a future business career," he said.
Natasha, a former Forest Heights Academy student who is in her final and second year at FAA, said she came to the school so that she could be given more opportunities.
"I was kind of tired of being on my island and wanted a change of scenery. I'd heard about Florida Air Academy and that it was a really good school, and went for the opportunity," she said.
The Abaco native said she found the work a little more challenging at FAA, but likes that she can take specialized subjects. She's taking an AP environmental science class as well as film studies and is an honor roll student.
She said the small school atmosphere allows her to know everyone, but she still finds attending the school a step forward. "When you come from a small island to a big college, it's a shock, so coming here it's like a transition. It's given me more opportunities and the chance to meet new people from all over the world. I think I've become more independent because I'm more in control of myself here," she said.
Natasha would like to get a post-secondary school degree in chemistry and dermatology. She would like to become a makeup artist and eventually have her own makeup and skincare product line one day.
She's still deciding which college she would like to attend after graduation, but knows she wants to go to New York. She also says that education is everything.
"I love to learn and I want to know more about everything," she said.
Natasha is one of three Bahamians currently studying at Florida Air Academy, which was founded in 1961 and focuses on academics, character and leadership. FAA has an enrollment of 300 students from 25 countries and 20 states.

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