KIPP gift engineered by longtime GE worker

LYNN – When General Electric engineer Edwin Birtwell asked how many of the 28 students in KIPP?s seventh-grade science class had flown in a helicopter, several raised their hands. When Birtwell announced he was donating $5,000 to their school, they applauded him.A 39-year GE employee, Birtwell?s success in helping GE increase its commercial helicopter engine business earned him the firm?s annual Aviation Growth Award, including a $5,000 prize traditionally donated by the recipient to a worthy beneficiary.Birtwell, who lives in Marblehead, said he decided to donate the money to KIPP for a simple reason.?What KIPP does to kids, especially in a town like Lynn, is it gets them to focus on creating great futures for themselves. KIPP is leading the way to success,” he said.Since 2008, GE has contributed $30,000 to KIPP, including award money similar to Birtwell?s donation, and River Works volunteers have helped out the school. Development Director Laurie Kennedy said the volunteer efforts and visits by professionals like Birtwell are a chance for KIPP students “to see what people in the community do.”?We?re truly grateful to GE for community partnerships,” Kennedy said.Science teacher Kaya Schmandt guided her students Friday through a lesson plan and prepared them for one of their first quizzes of the new school year. The students? discipline and what he called KIPP?s “culture of respect” caught Birtwell?s attention.?Education is key, and you guys are on the right track,” he told the students.One of KIPP?s mottos is “climb to new heights,” and the Aviation Growth Award recognizes Birtwell?s ability to help motivate 200 GE workers to do just that.The T700 is a mainstay River Works product, with the engines powering a variety of military helicopters. The CT7, GE?s commercial version of the T700, is drawing increased demand from firms around the world building big helicopters ferrying workers out to oil rigs.The award applauds success in achieving opportunities to grow GE?s business, but Birtwell said it is a testament to his team?s work.