Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Aero Education

06/04/2026

⭐️✈️Congratulations to Blake Clark, the ODAA 2026 Aerospace Student of the Year! Blake is a recent graduate of Claremore High School and has already started his service to our great nation in the United States Marine Corps. In his very first year of the AOPA program at Claremore High, Blake developed a strong passion for aviation and aerospace. Fascinated by anything with wings, wheels, and an engine, Blake‘s love for flight led him to earn his FAA part 107 remote pilot certification through the Navy JROTC. While in high school, Blake served in numerous leadership roles within the Claremore Navy JROTC, and further developed his leadership skills through the University of Oklahoma’s High School Leadership program, the Tommy Franks Four-Star Leadership Camp, Oklahoma Boys State, Rogers County Sheriff’s Camp, and the Claremore Police Department Youth Camp. Blake recently began his career in the United States Marine Corps, where he will train as an aircraft mechanic . He plans to combine his military training with his passion for aviation to support and maintain aircraft as a future career. As Blake shares, “Aviation is where precision, discipline, and passion come together, and it’s the path I’m proud to pursue.” Congratulations, Blake! We are honored by your service and commitment to our great nation. The Oklahoma aerospace community salute you!

06/04/2026

⭐️✈️Congratulations to Macee McNeff, the ODAA 2026 Aerospace Student of the Year! Macee is a recent graduate of the Mustang Aeronautics program and a Valedictorian of Mustang’s Class of 2026. Macee is a student pilot and was honored to receive the AOPA You Can Fly High School Scholarship, a highly competitive national award that allowed her to continue her flight training while in high school. Macee was also the president of the Mustang FFA. Through her convergence of service in both agriculture and aeronautics, Macee has demonstrated passion for hands-on work and involvement that she believes has equipped her to thrive in the aviation industry. This year Macee was accepted to both Oklahoma State University’s and Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s professional pilot programs. She has decided to attend SEOSU where she was also a recipient of the prestigious John Massey Leadership Scholarship. Macee is committing to Southeastern’s professional pilot program with the ultimate goal of becoming a commercial pilot. Congratulations, Macee! The Oklahoma Aerospace community salutes you!

06/02/2026

05/12/2026

There was no shortage of inspiration at Pryor High School’s Aviation/Aerospace Showcase that highlighted the aviation journeys and innovative capstone projects from several amazing students. Pryor’s completed Tango Flight build was also on display and a panel featuring the students and their mentors demonstrated the labor of love this project has been. Be proud Pryor! Your excellence was on display today with these outstanding students. Oklahoma’s aerospace future is in great hands.

05/07/2026

Blue skies over Okemah Lake today as the Okemah High School Panther Pilots participated in a Drone Search and rescue event. The students and their teacher, Dr. Chauncey Goff, also honored community leader, Ron Gott, for his tireless dedication in getting the high school aviation program off the ground in Okemah. Students presented Mr. Gott with aerial photos (taken with their drones) of the continued expansion of the Okemah Municipal Airport. Okemah can be proud of this group of young people committed to innovation and to the opportunities for them as Oklahoma’s future aerospace work force. Today was an inspiration to all who were present. Way to fly, Panthers!

05/01/2026

⭐️✈️Congratulations to Michael Hall, the ODAA Aerospace Student of the Month for May 2026! Michael, a senior at Cache High School in Cache, Oklahoma, has built an impressive foundation in both leadership and technical aviation skills. His interest in flight was first ignited by his grandfather’s career in the U.S. Air Force—a spark that turned into a focused pursuit once Michael joined his high school aviation class.

⭐️✈️Since then, Michael has proven his capabilities by competing in high-level events, including the OSU Drone Search and Rescue competition and was named one of five Top Gun Aviators at the Oklahoma High School State Aviation Championship. Beyond his technical achievements, Michael is deeply involved in his school and community. He is an active member of the Technology Student Association (TSA) and the FFA, where he serves as the Cache FFA Chapter Chaplain.

⭐️✈️When he isn't focused on his studies or leadership roles, Michael enjoys the outdoors, specifically hunting, fishing. Following graduation, Michael plans to attend Cameron University. A future career as an air traffic controller is also of great interest to Michael. Michael credits much of his success to the support system around him, noting, “I would not have made it this far without help from my aviation teacher Mr. English, my grandpa, and the rest of my aviation class. After I joined the aviation class, the rest just seemed to come naturally.”

⭐️✈️In nominating Michael, his aviation instructor, Josh English noted, “Michael Hall joined the aviation program during our first year. Although he was a senior, he never treated it like a freshman-level class. He participated in every activity, and consistently excelled at every level. As the year progressed, Michael recognized the many career opportunities available in Oklahoma within aviation and aerospace community and made the decision to pursue a future in aviation. The future of Oklahoma is in good hands with solid individuals like Michael leading the way.”

⭐️✈️We couldn’t agree more. Congratulations, Michael! The Oklahoma aerospace community salutes you. Way to fly!

05/01/2026

⭐️✈️Congratulations to Scout Halley, the ODAA Aerospace Student of the Month for May 2026! Scout is a junior at Putnam City West High School in Oklahoma City and is enrolled in the Putnam City Aviation program. Scout is currently enrolled in Putnam City’s Aviation Maintenance Pathway with a plan to pursue a career in Maintenance or Avionics.

⭐️✈️Scout is a dedicated and driven student with a passion for both aviation and the performing arts. This commitment is evidenced by impactful hands-on experience through job shadowing at Jetset FBO and a recent acceptance into the summer intern program at AAR Corp. Scout has also represented Putnam City Aviation at the State Capitol and Women in Aviation events, advocating for the vital role of women in the aerospace industry.

⭐️✈️ Beyond technical skills, Scout has been active in theater for three years and enjoys creative hobbies like sewing, knitting, and design. This creativity shines in the aviation classroom, where Scout’s maintenance work consistently stands out. Looking ahead, Scout will be pursuing an FAA Part 107 certification and is considering earning a pilot’s license.

⭐️✈️Looking ahead, Scout is considering enlistment in the Air National Guard to further develop their aircraft maintenance skills while serving the country. With a unique combination of discipline, creativity, and ambition, Scout is looking forward to the future and all the possibilities to come. In nominating Scout, Aviation Instructor Sam Madewell noted, “We strongly believe that Scout represents the opportunities our program has to offer for students and that they will serve as an inspiration to young women throughout the state in all areas of the Aerospace Industry.”

⭐️✈️We couldn’t agree more. Congratulations, Scout! The Oklahoma aerospace community salutes you. Way to fly!

04/29/2026

It was a beautiful day for Flight Fest at the 137th Oklahoma Air National Guard. Over 600 aviation students participated in hands-on activities, learned about aircraft, and explored career opportunities! So thankful for our partnership with the OKANG as we work together to support the future of Oklahoma!

04/14/2026

ODAA Staff had the opportunity to participate and speak at the South Central Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives Conference this week in El Paso, Texas. As always, it was an honor to share Oklahoma’s remarkable aerospace growth with other aerospace leaders from around the country!

04/08/2026

It was an incredible day in Stillwater as 50 high school aerospace teachers gathered to prepare for the Drone Search and Rescue Competition for students that will be held next fall.

In addition to flying time at Oklahoma State University’s unmanned airfield, teachers also heard from experts in the field of UAS and emergency management who discussed how unmanned aircraft systems are utilized by first-responders, providing real-time aerial intelligence and enhanced response times in emergency situations.

The partnership and guidance provided by the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education is unmatched. Together we are developing the next generation of aerospace leaders and ensuring that Oklahoma students can FLY FORWARD.