Ascension Public Schools has announced that Krystal Swain, an educator at Dutchtown Middle School, has been named the 2025 Louisiana Wing Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year by the Civil Air Patrol (CAP)—a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional dedication to aerospace and STEM education. Swain has also earned the rank of Captain in the Civil Air Patrol.
This state-level award celebrates certified K-12 educators who go “above and beyond” to deliver engaging, innovative, and impactful aerospace programs in the classroom and beyond. Captain Swain, who also serves as the Assistant Director of Aerospace Education for the Louisiana Wing, CAP, is being honored for her outstanding leadership, programming, and mentorship in aviation and STEM education throughout Louisiana.
“I have never seen an educator with the passion and pride that Capt. Krystal Swain has about teaching STEM and ensuring her students learn and move forward to the next level,” said Capt. Frontis “Jud” Ergle, Louisiana Wing Director of Aerospace Education. “In the time I’ve spent in her classroom, I witnessed students that were far above their grade level and that couldn’t wait to learn more.”
In addition to her Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year recognition, Captain Swain was also recently awarded the Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Award, a distinguished honor presented to Civil Air Patrol senior members who successfully complete the rigorous Level II professional development program. This achievement signifies not only her commitment to advancing in CAP leadership but also her promotion to the rank of Captain, recognizing her dedication to mentorship, professional excellence, and service to the aerospace education community.
This honor follows Swain’s 2024 recognition as the Louisiana Wing Aerospace Education Member of the Year—marking her transition from CAP Teacher Member to full Senior Member, Officer, and State Staff Member. She is the first in Ascension Parish to earn this elevated distinction.
“Mrs. Swain’s exceptional contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been nominated for and received numerous awards that recognize her excellence in teaching, her innovative practices, and her steadfast dedication to student success. These accolades serve as a testament to her extraordinary talent and her passion for inspiring the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Lisa Louque, recently retired Assistant Principal of Dutchtown Middle School. “What truly sets Mrs. Swain apart is her genuine care for her students and her ability to connect with them. She fosters an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued.”
Captain Swain’s accolades extend far beyond the state level:
- Selected by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics to facilitate the YouthAstroNet program, a national NSF-funded initiative that provides her AeroSTEM and STEM+ students with access to robotic telescopes and authentic image analysis research.
- Named a NASA Solar System Ambassador, recognized by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for her public STEM engagement and outreach.
- Returning Alumni Participant for both the NASA LiftOff Summer Institute in Houston and the IDEAS Conference at NASA’s research facility in Fairbanks, Alaska—funded through LaSPACE and NASA EPSCoR.
- Completed astronaut training with SpaceNation’s Pioneer Moon Mission Experience, continuing as an Ambassador and Alumni Trainer.
“I am a firm believer that, as a teacher, it is our responsibility to make sure students have real and relevant experiences in school. As the world is changing, so are opportunities and possibilities for our students,” said Swain. “As a teacher, I have immersed myself in every professional development opportunity, continued education, Louisiana Standards development, standardized assessment review and writing, leadership groups, volunteerism, ambassador programs, and have invested in our students so they can have more experiences in their toolbox to start planning their career path and develop true vision and plan for their future… a future that is ever changing.”
Captain Swain’s trailblazing efforts continue to inspire the next generation of explorers, engineers, and innovators in Ascension and beyond.
