On Friday, December 12, Pryor’s Aviation Tigers traveled to Will Rogers World Airport to attend the 9th Annual Oklahoma Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day, hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics. The 2025 event, titled Celebrating the Grit & Grace of the Golden Age, brought together students, educators, and industry leaders from across the state to show young people what is possible through aviation and aerospace careers. The trip was arranged by Pryor Aviation instructors Dr. Jenny Peters and Tami Rowland, who also accompanied students throughout the day.
This year’s celebration also marked 100 years of aviation in Oklahoma and was sponsored by AAR. Held inside AAR’s newly constructed Airframe Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility—Hangar 4—the event welcomed more than 1,500 attendees, including students from aviation programs statewide. For Pryor students, the experience offered a firsthand look at professional aviation facilities while allowing them to explore career pathways and meet people who are living out those careers today.
Throughout the day, students heard from state leaders who reinforced why aviation matters so deeply to Oklahoma’s future. Matt Pinnell spoke directly to students, sharing that aviation is currently Oklahoma’s second-largest industry, behind energy, and is expected to continue growing. He emphasized that Oklahoma leads the nation in aviation education and noted that about 65 percent of Oklahoma graduates stay in the state because of strong career opportunities—many of them in aviation and aerospace.
State Senator Paul Rosino echoed that message, stressing the importance of partnerships between schools, industry, and government to ensure students have access to meaningful opportunities. His remarks reinforced how events like this help students see a clear connection between education today and careers tomorrow.
Students also gained valuable insight from military leaders who shared real-world aviation journeys. U.S. Navy Colonel Justin Lewis described earning his pilot’s license while still in high school and how that early start led him to achieve his childhood goal of flying the F-14 Tomcat in the military. He explained how his experience opened doors to elite aviation organizations such as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), as well as opportunities in special operations and, later, experimental aircraft. His message was clear: starting early and staying curious can lead to incredible possibilities.
U.S. Air Force Colonel Dawn M.K. Zoldi offered a powerful reminder that there is no single right path to success. She shared how setbacks in her own life became stepping stones toward new opportunities, encouraging students to trust their instincts, remain open to change, and value relationships along the way. Her story helped students understand that perseverance and adaptability are just as important as technical skills.
The event also honored the legacy of women who shaped aviation history. Amelia Earhart was recognized as Woman of the Year through The Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots founded in 1929. Students also heard from keynote speaker Amelia Rose Earhart, who shared how having the same famous name as the aviation pioneer influenced her own career. While not related, she has intentionally chosen a path that honors that legacy and is dedicated to helping uncover what happened to the original Amelia Earhart. Her message encouraged students to stay resilient and view challenges as momentary turbulence along the flight path of their career goals.
Adding to the experience, the atmosphere was energetic and welcoming, with live music from OK3 setting a celebratory tone. The combination of music, speakers, and shared experiences created an environment that was both educational and inspiring.
For Pryor’s Aviation Tigers, the day provided much more than a field trip—it offered students a clearer picture of future possibilities, meaningful connections to industry leaders, and motivation to continue pursuing their interests in aviation. Experiences like this help students see that their dreams are attainable and that Oklahoma’s aviation legacy offers real opportunities close to home.