By Ren Luebbering, Springfield-Branson National Airport
For these students, the sky’s not the limit.
Six Springfield seniors were celebrated and cleared for takeoff at the Inaugural Fly SPS Graduation Ceremony on April 10 at Midwest Premier, the Springfield-Branson National Airport General Aviation Terminal.
For the past two years, the six graduates have spent half their school day at SGF, learning about different career paths in aviation, utilizing flight simulators and pursuing their private pilot’s license.
At the ceremony, students heard from Brian Weiler, director of aviation for the Springfield-Branson National Airport, and Dr. Matt Hudson, executive dean of career, technical and community development for Ozarks Technical Community College.
In 2017, Dr. Hudson and the SGF Airport Management Team came together to dream of a high school aviation program. In 2021, SPS Superintendent Grenita Lathan arrived in Springfield with a vision for a high school pilot program. And in 2025, the first high school students earned their private pilot licenses. Each new pilot has plans to attend college and pursue degrees in aviation, equipped with learning and credentials to reach new heights sooner in an aviation career.
Midwest Premier Manager Jessica Robinson and her team hosted nearly 100 attendees to the graduation ceremony, welcoming community leaders to the new $6.5 million FBO facility. Midwest Premier isn’t just a place to refuel, it’s a place to celebrate the future of aviation in the Ozarks, says Robinson.
“Partnering with other community organizations to support aviation in our community helps support our workforce,” said Robinson. “When we invite people into Midwest Premier, it helps people understand the different opportunities available locally in hopes that they will decide to live and support Springfield for generations to come.”
