Celebrating Excellence in Youth Aviation Education

In cooperation with AeroStar Avion Institute, Choose Aerospace will announce the second recipient of the Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award at the ATEC Annual Conference in Wichita, Kansas, in April 2027. 

The award honors the legacy of Dr. Tammera Holmes, a founding board member of Choose Aerospace and founder of AeroStar Avion Institute. A visionary educator, she dedicated her career to opening aviation pathways for young people—particularly those from underserved communities. Her work continues through AeroStar, creating access, encouragement, and meaningful aviation opportunities for young people. 

Each year, a Choose Aerospace committee selects an educator who carries that vision forward by exemplifying Tammera’s values, engaging meaningfully with students and fellow instructors, and going above and beyond to help young people achieve success in aviation. 

The award does not use a nomination process. Instead, the committee considers educators across the Choose Aerospace network whose commitment, innovation, and student impact distinguish their work. 

We look forward to recognizing another outstanding educator and celebrating the difference all Choose Aerospace instructors make.