Westmoore High School has been crowned the first Oklahoma High School Aviation State Champion, highlighting the growing role of education in supporting the state’s rapidly expanding aerospace sector.
The Jaguars secured the title ahead of 11 other finalist teams in a statewide competition hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and FlightSafety International in Tulsa. The event brought together students from across Oklahoma to compete in a series of flight simulation challenges designed to test real-world aviation skills.
Staged at the Tulsa Community College Southeast Campus, the championship saw participants demonstrate technical ability, situational awareness and teamwork in high-pressure simulator scenarios mirroring professional pilot operations.
Westmoore triumphed following a final round against Ada, Newcastle and Union high schools. Ada finished as first runner-up, with Union placing third and Newcastle fourth. Other top-ranking schools included Cache, Wyandotte, Oklahoma Aviation Academy in Norman and Marietta, while Pryor, Haworth and Collinsville were recognised as semi-finalists.
A number of individual honours were also awarded. Cash Goodwin of Ada High School, Logan Wiggins and Chase Will of Oklahoma Aviation Academy, Michael Hall of Cache High School and Ahmad Zubaidi of Union High School were named Top Gun Aviators. Erin Hansen of Marietta High School received the Top Gun Instructor award, while Jack Donahoo of Newcastle High School was named Most Valuable Pilot. Stillwater High School earned the Spirit of Aviation Award.
Building a workforce pipeline through education
State officials said the competition forms part of a wider strategy to align education with industry demand and ensure long-term growth in aerospace employment.
“Seeing these students compete at such a high level reinforces why Oklahoma leads the nation in high school aviation education,” said Grayson Ardies, ODAA executive director. “We are intentionally building a pipeline from the classroom to the cockpit, ensuring the next generation of aerospace professionals is cleared for takeoff in Oklahoma.”
Aerospace and defence is currently Oklahoma’s second-largest and fastest-growing industry. The state leads the United States in the number of high schools delivering the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association curriculum, reflecting a coordinated effort to introduce students to aviation careers at an early stage.
Industry-aligned education programmes are seen as essential to meeting future demand for skilled pilots, engineers and technical specialists, particularly as global aviation continues to recover and expand.
Paula Kedy, ODAA’s Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager, said teachers have been instrumental in establishing and sustaining the initiative.
“We treasure our partners who provide the curriculum, flight simulators, and necessary resources for this special event, but let’s not forget the dedicated Oklahoma educators who bring lift to the program,” she said. “These teachers have stepped up to lead these students, pouring countless hours into the program and bridging the gap between the classroom and the industry. This championship is as much a celebration of their commitment as it is of the students’ achievements.”
Industry exposure highlights career pathways
In addition to competing, students were given direct insight into aviation careers through tours of professional training facilities and college programmes. At FlightSafety International’s Broken Arrow site, participants observed advanced simulators used by commercial airlines and military organisations worldwide.
They also visited Tulsa Community College’s aviation centre, where they learned about air traffic control and professional pilot training routes, reinforcing the education-to-employment pathway promoted by state leaders.
Westmoore instructor Norman Crowe said the experience and ultimate victory had exceeded expectations for his students.
“My students were genuinely surprised and incredibly excited to advance through each level and eventually take first place,” he said. “They are deeply thankful for the opportunity provided by FlightSafety International, the ODAA, and the taxpayers of Oklahoma who support programs like this.”
Economic significance beyond the classroom
The championship represents more than a student competition. It reflects a deliberate economic strategy to secure Oklahoma’s position as a leading aerospace hub by investing in future talent.
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics is responsible for developing the state’s air transportation system and supporting workforce growth through STEM education initiatives and industry partnerships.
By integrating aviation training into secondary education, Oklahoma aims to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals capable of sustaining industry expansion.
Westmoore High School’s victory marks the beginning of what organisers expect will become a flagship annual event — one that connects classrooms to careers and reinforces aerospace as a cornerstone of the state’s economic future.
