The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is proud to announce that Thomas M. Sando, aviation instructor at Williston High School and the Williston Basin CTE Center in Williston, North Dakota, has been selected as this year’s A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Educator of the Year.
Sando has developed a dynamic classroom that includes hands-on projects, field trips to industry-leading facilities, and mentorship that guides students toward careers in aviation. For example, his creation of a rotating module that can be used across schools in the Williston region has expanded aerospace education access, engaging students from multiple school districts. His grant applications have led to many awards, including an $80,000 award from the Robert E. Herman Foundation. He also organized educational field trips to the University of North Dakota’s aviation program, the Grand Forks air traffic control tower, and the Cirrus Aircraft Factory. Supporting workforce development, Sando has taken students to the Fly-ND Career Expo and worked over 35 hours at the Pilot Proficiency Center at AirVenture Oshkosh.
“Thomas has transformed aerospace education within our community,” writes his nominator and colleague Katie Brew, “sparking a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and aviation careers in students across northwest North Dakota. Thomas’s innovative approach to aerospace education is evident in every aspect of his program.”
Says Sando, “Aerospace education is more than a subject. It is a gateway to curiosity, innovation, and opportunity. Watching my students grow, develop new skills, and pursue their dreams is the most rewarding aspect of my work. I am proud to contribute to shaping the next generation of aviation professionals and to share my passion for this dynamic field with students, colleagues, and the community.”
“Thomas Sando exemplifies what it means to be a visionary aerospace educator,” said Aimee Maruyama, President and CEO of the National Aviation Hall of Fame. “His hands-on, community-centered approach to teaching aviation not only opens doors for students in North Dakota but also serves as a national model for engaging young people in STEM and aviation careers. We are proud to recognize his outstanding contributions with the 2025 A. Scott Crossfield Award.”
Sando’s other recent honors and awards include the following:
- NDCTE Director’s Award of Excellence, presented to the Williston High School Aviation Technology Program by the North Dakota Career and Technical Education Department (2024)
- Williston 20 Under 40, recognized for contributions to education and community impact (2024)
- Master Aviation Educator, the only high school aviation instructor with this designation (2024)
- FAA Safety Team (FAAST) Membership, actively engaged in promoting aviation safety and education (2024)
- A Distinguished Flight Instructor award from AOPA flight training experience (2025)
Sando will be honored at the President’s Reception on September 18, 2025, as part of the NAHF 61st Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony in Wichita, Kansas. Over 600 people— including aviation enthusiasts, industry leaders, and several returning Enshrinees—are expected to attend two days of events. The events are open to the public by advance registration only. For more information, visit nationalaviation.org or call 937-256-0944 ext.16.
