In a historic weekend for Oklahoma education and industry, Westmoore High School has been crowned the first-ever Oklahoma High School State Aviation Champions. The Jaguars secured the title at the event hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and FlightSafety International in Tulsa.
The championship held Feb. 20–21 at the Tulsa Community College Southeast Campus, brought together 12 finalist teams from across the state. Students participated in flight simulation rounds, showcasing their technical skills and aviation knowledge during the competition. Saturday morning, the top four advancing schools — Ada, Newcastle, Union and Westmoore — faced off during the final rounds, culminating in the noon awards presentation and Westmoore High School earning first place. Other awards included:
- 1st Runner Up: Ada High School
- 3rd Place: Union High School
- 4th Place: Newcastle High School
- 5th Place: Cache High School
- 6th Place: Wyandotte High School
- 7th Place: Oklahoma Aviation Academy (Norman)
- 8th Place: Marietta High School
- Semi-Finalist: Pryor High School
- Semi-Finalist: Haworth High School
- Semi-Finalist: Collinsville High School
Top Gun Aviators:
- Cash Goodwin, Ada High School
- Logan Wiggins, Oklahoma Aviation Academy
- Chase Will, Oklahoma Aviation Academy
- Michael Hall, Cache High School
- Ahmad Zubaidi, Union High School
- Top Gun Instructor: Ms. Erin Hansen, Marietta High School
- Most Valuable Pilot (MVP): Jack Donahoo, Newcastle High School
- Oklahoma Aviation Spirit of Aviation Award: Stillwater High School
“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 defense is Oklahoma’s second largest and fastest-growing industry. The state ranks first in the country in the number of high schools teaching the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) curriculum. This event is a key part of that effort, reflecting the state’s focus on developing and retaining a quality workforce that will supply the necessary channel to ensure this industry can become our state’s leading economic driver.
ODAA Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager Paula Kedy credited state teachers for the program’s growth. “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. 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.”
In addition to Friday’s semi-final practice and competition, the participants toured FlightSafety International’s Broken Arrow location where students saw firsthand the aviation training company’s simulation technology that is used by commercial and military organizations around the globe. Students also toured Tulsa Community College’s Aviation center where they learned about the school’s Air Traffic Control and Professional Pilot Programs.
“My students were genuinely surprised and incredibly excited to advance through each level and eventually take first place,” said Norman Crowe, Westmoore instructor. “They are deeply thankful for the opportunity provided by FlightSafety International, the ODAA, and the taxpayers of Oklahoma who support programs like this.”
As the Jaguars return home with the inaugural state trophy, the event stands as a reminder that in Oklahoma, the sky is not the limit — it is just the beginning.
The ODAA is responsible for the development of the state’s air transportation system and the promotion of the aerospace industry, through infrastructure, safety, and the growth of the state’s aerospace workforce through innovative STEM initiatives.
