Honoring a Legacy: The Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award

Dr. Tammera Holmes

​This year, Choose Aerospace had the distinct honor of presenting the inaugural Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award—a recognition that carries deep meaning for our community and the future of aviation. 

To understand the significance of this award, you have to understand the legacy behind the name. 

Dr. Tammera Holmes was a visionary leader, educator, and advocate whose work transformed lives across the aviation industry. As founder of the AeroStar Avion Institute, she dedicated her career to creating pathways into aviation for young people—especially those from underserved and high-risk communities.  ​

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Her mission was simple, but powerful: open doors that had long been closed and show students that they belong in aviation. 

Through her work, she helped build a more inclusive and sustainable aviation workforce pipeline, connecting students to opportunities in STEM and aviation careers. Her message of perseverance and possibility—often captured in the phrase “Wings to Dreams”—resonated with everyone she encountered.  

Those who knew Dr. Holmes remember not only her accomplishments, but her passion. She believed deeply in the potential of young people and worked tirelessly to ensure they had the support, exposure, and confidence to pursue meaningful careers in aviation. 

Her impact continues to ripple across the industry today. 

It is in that spirit that Choose Aerospace created this award—to recognize educators who carry that same commitment forward. 

This year’s recipient, Brandi Peace of Tri-County Tech in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, exemplifies that legacy. 

Pictured: Ryan Goertzen, Kelly Filgo, Brandi Peace, Kristy Farrakhan

Brandi’s work reflects the very heart of what Dr. Holmes stood for. She meets students where they are, creates opportunities for growth, and helps them see a future they may not have imagined for themselves. Through her dedication, she is not only teaching aviation—she is building confidence, opening doors, and shaping lives. 

Presenting this award at the ATEC Annual Conference made the moment even more meaningful. Surrounded by leaders in aviation maintenance education, the recognition of Brandi’s work—and the honoring of Dr. Holmes’ legacy—was met with deep appreciation. 

As Choose Aerospace continues to grow, the Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award will serve as a lasting tribute to a leader who believed in the power of aviation to change lives—and to the educators who are carrying that mission forward every day. ​