Oklahoma Students Keep Eyes to the Skies: Thousands Celebrate Aerospace at Aero Day 2025 Published April 10, 2025

Over 250 Oklahoma high school aerospace students joined legislators, industry leaders, and military aviators at the Oklahoma State Capitol on April 2 for the 2025 AERO Oklahoma, a day designed to celebrate the state’s continued aerospace growth. 

Presented by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, the event provided students with the opportunity to meet with legislators, visit aerospace booths, and hear from state leaders. A special lunchtime event, under the direction of Senior Master Sergeant Andrew Lamoreaux of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, offered the opportunity for students to visit static displays and to hear military speakers, which included Captain Andrew Perry, 1st Lieutenants Sam Poisson and Connor Lofthus, Master Sergeant Brandon Djordjevic, and Captain Dylan Bell. Colonel Shelby Dryer, Commander of the 137th Special Operations Wing of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, spoke to students about exploring possibilities and working to reach personal goals. 

Col. Shelby Dreyer serves as Commander of the 137th Special Operations Wing, Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, said, “There are numerous ways to reach your goals, and it’s not a race…but understand you have so many opportunities that are supported by the people in this room that will guide you to success and allow you to be the best in your community.” 

After lunch on the Capitol South Plaza, Senator Adam Pugh welcomed students to a Town Hall Meeting in the Senate Chamber. He shared his personal aviation story and talked to students about the workings of the Oklahoma Senate. 

“Aerospace and defense aren’t just important to Oklahoma—they are vital to our future and the safety of our nation,” said Senator Adam Pugh, Edmond. “This industry is the second-largest economic engine in our state, supporting over 200,000 high-paying jobs and contributing nearly $44 billion annually to our economy. Events like Aero Day give students a front-row seat to the incredible impact aerospace has on our communities, our economy, and our national security. By investing and inspiring students today, we are securing Oklahoma’s leadership in aviation for generations to come. I’m proud to champion opportunities that inspire young Oklahomans to pursue careers that will keep our state—and our country—strong.” 

Representatives from the presenting sponsor, Rose State College, Whitney Alvis, Dean of Workforce Development, and Travis Hurst, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, also addressed students. 

“At Rose State College, we’re not just educating students—we’re launching futures. Being the only Oklahoma college certified to teach the AOPA high school curriculum allows us to help young people take their first steps into aviation careers while still in high school. Aero Day showcases how education and industry can come together to inspire the next generation of aviators and aerospace professionals,” said Travis Hurst, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Rose State College. 

The ODAA's Statewide Manager of Aerospace STEM Education, Paula Kedy, stated, “Oklahoma students are having a chance to walk side-by-side with state and industry leaders. By encouraging them to attend events such as Aero Day Oklahoma, we are ensuring that our students are ready to join Oklahoma’s growing aerospace workforce.” 

Aviation Industry Facts:

The Oklahoma Aviation & Aerospace Industry produces just under $44B in annual economic activity, making it the second largest economic engine in our state.

Three segments account for the $44B total: Military aviation, $19.3B; off-airport aviation and aerospace businesses, $13.9B; and the 108 commercial and general aviation airports, $10.6B.  Aviation & Aerospace supports 206,000 jobs totaling an $11.7B payroll. The average salary in the industry is $73,300 making it one of the highest average salaries in the state.