Videos

Raveena Takes to the Skies

Meet Raveena, a remarkable 17-year-old with her eyes on the sky!

Raveena is passionate about aviation, aerospace, space, and engineering. She is also deeply devoted to her family, who inspire her every day with their love and resilience. Growing up in a household where American Sign Language is the language of care and connection has shaped Raveena into an exceptional scholar and an inspiring young leader.

Today, Raveena took her very first flight as an Above the Clouds Dream Flyer! Flying with volunteer pilot Nathan Griffith, professor of Aviation Sciences at Bridgewater State University, she soared in a Cessna 150, circled the Boston skyline, and even took the controls herself.

She not only logged her first minutes in a flight log, but also lifted the spirits of everyone at Above the Clouds. Raveena is a true inspiration, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.

Want to be part of the journey?
• Learn more or refer a child to be a Dream Flyer: www.abovethecloudskids.org
• Volunteer as a pilot or a Joy Maker: email info@abovethecloudskids.org or call 617.918.7344
• Support Above the Clouds with a donation: www.abovethecloudskids.org/donate

Together we can help more kids rise above their challenges through the wonder of flight.

Aviation Discovery Day with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South

What an incredible Aviation Discovery Day at Cape Cod Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program at Plymouth Airport! Teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South got an inside look at the world of aviation
From learning how to weigh and balance an aircraft, to shaping real sheet metal parts, to exploring drone photography (and even flying drones themselves!)—these future aviation pros dove into hands-on learning and left inspired by the many career paths the skies have to offer.
Huge thanks to our amazing partners at Cape Cod Community College, Women in Aviation’s Nor’Easters of Cape Cod Bay Chapter, drone instructor David Price, and of course our friends at Boy &Girls Clubs of Metro South for making this Aviation Discovery Day one to remember!

 

 

Teddy’s Dream Flight: Rising Above, Reaching Higher

Some kids face obstacles you can’t always see. For Teddy, school was never a simple path — filled with changes, challenges, and plenty of hard work just to get where he is today. But through it all, Teddy has remained smart, determined, and full of humor — always finding ways to make people smile.

Recently, Teddy got a well-deserved break from life’s struggles — trading classrooms for clouds — when he took his Dream Flight with Above the Clouds. Teddy flew with Chris Steward, one of our dedicated volunteer pilots who helps make these special experiences possible for kids like him. From takeoff to landing, Teddy soared high above the challenges below, experiencing the freedom and confidence that only flight can bring.

At Above the Clouds, we create unforgettable aviation experiences for kids and teens facing adversity — reminding them that no matter how tough the journey has been, the sky is still wide open.

Huge thanks to Chris and to all of our amazing volunteer pilots, donors, and supporters who make Dream Flights like Teddy’s possible. You are helping kids rise above — one flight at a time.

Learn more, nominate a Dream Flyer, volunteer or support: abovethecloudskids.org

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Miranda’s Day in the Air. A Dream Flight to Remember!

At just 9 years old, Miranda has big dreams — and plenty of talent to match. As an autistic child, she’s highly gifted, deeply sensitive, and always attentive to the people around her. She’s also a huge fan of Pikachu, Pokémon, anime, manga, LEGO, Minecraft, and recently traded piano lessons for the drums — because this future rock star marches to her own beat.

But on this special day, Miranda took to the skies instead of the stage, flying with our longtime supporter and first-time Dream Flight pilot Charles Evan in his Beechcraft BE-36 Bonanza. As always, Miranda’s bright personality, endless curiosity, and gift for connecting with others made the day even more special for everyone involved.

At Above the Clouds, we create unforgettable flight experiences for kids of all abilities who are facing adversity — helping them see just how high their dreams can soar.

Huge thanks to Charles and to all our volunteer pilots, supporters, and families who make Dream Flights possible!

Jeymill’s Dream Flight

Jeymill dreams of becoming a pilot one day. He knows his airplanes — he’s especially a fan of Airbus — but today he got to experience something even better: taking the controls himself.

Thanks to our volunteer pilot Adam, Jeymill and his uncle Hector soared above the clouds in Adam’s sporty Cirrus SR22. And while Adam handled the takeoff and landing, Jeymill flew most of the way — getting one step closer to his aviation dreams.
At Above the Clouds, we give kids facing adversities the chance to experience the freedom and confidence that flight can bring. For kids like Jeymill, it’s not just a ride — it’s inspiration for the future.
Huge thanks to Adam and all of our amazing volunteers and supporters who help make Dream Flights possible.

Above the Clouds Featured on WCVB-TV Chronicle

Above the Clouds was featured on Chronicle, WCVB-TV Channel 5’s beloved and long-running news magazine, in a special episode celebrating aviation in New England.

This powerful segment follows 13-year-old Jake, one of our Dream Flyers, and his flight with volunteer pilot Chris Steward, capturing the joy, confidence, and healing that take flight through our mission. You’ll also hear from Board President Greg Bongiorno and see behind the scenes of a Dream Flight Day in action.

For our team, this moment is especially meaningful. One of our founder Gary Oberstein’s early dreams was to see Above the Clouds featured on Chronicle. We’re proud to have fulfilled that vision—and grateful to share this story with the wider community.

Make a Gift
Refer a Child
Volunteer

Thank you for being part of the Above the Clouds family.

Above the Clouds Featured on Chronicle

We’re thrilled to announce that Above the Clouds will be featured tonight, May 6 at 7:30 PM on Chronicle, WCVB-TV Channel 5’s award-winning news magazine!

This special episode is all about Taking Flight in New England—from nostalgic balsa wood airplanes made in Wakefield, to space suits built in Worcester (including one worn by astronaut Sunita Williams on her recent mission), to a behind-the-scenes ride aboard the Sky 5 news chopper. The episode also highlights the legacy of a visionary scientist whose early experiments helped shape modern rocketry.

We’re honored to be one of the featured stories.

Our segment follows volunteer pilot Chris Steward, Dream Flyer Jake, and his dad as they take to the skies with Above the Clouds, showing the powerful impact flight can have on children facing serious adversity.

Watch the Promo

Don’t Miss It

Tune in tonight, Monday, May 6 at 7:30 PM
WCVB Channel 5 – Chronicle

www.wcvb.com/chronicle

This is a big moment for us—and for the children and families we serve. We’d love for you to watch and share the episode with others who may want to support our mission.

Whether it’s by volunteering, making a referral, or making a donation, you can help bring the joy of flight to even more kids across the region.

Thank you for helping us lift children’s spirits and dreams—one flight at a time.

Aviation Discovery Day at Plymouth Airport

Aviation Discovery Day at Plymouth Airport!

Twelve 7th grade students from Brighton High School—part of Apprentice Learning’s mentoring program—got a hands-on introduction to the exciting world of aviation at our latest Aviation Discovery Day!

Hosted in partnership with the Cape Cod Community College Aviation Maintenance Technology Program, the day was filled with engaging STEM experiences. From flying drones and learning about weight and balance, to trying their hand at sheet metal manufacturing, these students got a unique glimpse into life in the skies—and behind the scenes.

Huge thanks to our incredible volunteers from Women in Aviation, Cape Cod Community College, and the Above the Clouds team for inspiring the next generation of pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals. ‍✈️

Students left the day not only with new skills, but also with real conversations about career paths in aviation, thanks to pilots and industry experts who joined us on the ground.

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#AviationDiscoveryDay #AboveTheCloudsKids #STEMEducation #FuturePilots #WomenInAviation #CapeCodCommunityCollege #ApprenticeLearning #InspiringTheNextGeneration

Celebrating Our Incredible Volunteers: A Night of Gratitude and Impact

On Tuesday March 4, 2025, Above the Clouds hosted our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, and what an unforgettable night it was! From inspiring conversations to well-deserved recognitions, it was an evening dedicated to the people who make our mission soar—our incredible volunteers.

Whether you joined us in person or were with us in spirit, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past year’s impact and the exciting journey ahead.

Looking Back on 2024 – A Year of Impact

In the past year, Above the Clouds served 86 children, each with their own story, challenges, and dreams. Through the dedication of our volunteers, we were able to provide life-changing experiences to children facing illness, loss, disabilities, and other hardships.

Here’s what we accomplished together:

✈️ Dream Flyers soared to new heights, experiencing the thrill of flight for the first time. With every takeoff, we saw confidence, joy, and excitement grow.
Our Discovery Aviation Days reached over 50 high school students, introducing them to career possibilities in aviation and igniting new aspirations for the future.
We partnered with organizations like LifeWorks, Special Olympics, The Jimmy Fund Clinic, and The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, ensuring that children from all walks of life had access to adventure and inspiration.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication, generosity, and heart of our volunteers. You are the reason our mission continues to grow, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.

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Honoring Our Outstanding Volunteers

During the celebration, we took a moment to recognize a few extraordinary individuals who have gone above and beyond:

  • Alyssa Hanlon, a devoted Flight Coordinator who has been a vital part of ATC since high school. Her leadership and enthusiasm ensure every Dream Flyer and their family feels welcome and supported.
  • Nathan Griffith, whose dedication to Discovery Aviation Days has introduced countless high school students to the world of aviation, inspiring them to dream bigger.
  • Mark Hanson, a committed volunteer pilot and board member who has spent years providing life-changing flights for patients, families, and those in need.
  • Greg Bongiorno, our Board President and volunteer pilot, whose leadership and mentorship have helped shape the future of Above the Clouds.

These individuals represent the very best of ATC, and we are beyond grateful for their contributions.

Looking Ahead – Join Us for the 2025 Dream Flight Season!

With another incredible year behind us, we are already looking ahead to what’s next! Our 2025 Dream Flight schedule is now live, and we encourage all of our volunteers—pilots, coordinators, and ground crew—to sign up for upcoming Dream Flight Days.

View the Dream Flight Schedule & Sign Up

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your generosity, passion, and belief in our mission make all the difference. We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2025!

Soaring Sisters: Dara & Tess Take Flight!

Soaring Sisters: Dara & Tess Take Flight! ✨

Joy, courage, and unforgettable memories filled the sky as sisters Dara and Tess experienced their Dream Flight! Watching their excitement as they took to the skies is exactly why we do what we do—bringing hope and transformation through aviation.
Want to help make dreams like this take flight? Visit abovethecloudskids.org to learn more about our mission and how you can support future Dream Flyers!