Program Spotlight: Charles Page High School (Sand Springs, Ok)

We want to tell more of your stories to help inspire all of us connected to Choose Aerospace. There are so many hard-working teachers and students in the program that it is hard to know where to start. This month, we heard about a program near Tulsa, Oklahoma that made the local news, so we figured we would share more about them. 

Aviation education is taking off at Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, where Michael Palmer has been building something extraordinary. Now in its second year of using the Choose Aerospace curriculum, the program has really taken flight—not just with students, but across the community.  

Real Tools, Real Skills 
Backed by strong partnerships with local aviation employers—like Aircraft Specialties, DivCo Inc., Gibson Aviation, and more—students are learning with genuine aircraft parts and hands-on manufacturing projects. Palmer says these industry connections have been vital: “All support our program with parts, pieces, and manufacturing of items necessary for training.” 

Students are thriving in the shop environment, where academic content meets tactile learning. “They are learning from trial and error, an understanding of problem solving,” Palmer shares. “It’s a confidence builder.” 

Projects That Spark Joy 
Whether it’s mastering calipers or using aircraft manuals, Palmer sees the lightbulb moments up close. “They are so motivated when it's project time,” he says. He’s especially proud of how students come together—across grades, genders, and social groups—with a shared sense of purpose and camaraderie. “No grade level or social barriers—male and female are all working seamlessly together equally.” 

District-Level Support, Community Spirit 
From administrative backing to grant writing help, the program’s support system is robust. With help from Principal Mr. Smith and others, the classroom has expanded, new equipment has been added (including eight Redbird Velocity simulators!), and grant funding has fulfilled the entire Choose Aerospace lab list. Palmer also credits his instructional coach and a small army of students who helped clean, organize, and reassemble equipment—even writing manuals where none existed. 

A Future with Flight 
Palmer is confident that this experience is setting students up for success--whether or not they pursue aviation careers. “They have the tools of knowledge and reasoning to seek out a life that will give them security and a productive happy life.” 

He’s also quick to express his gratitude for the village that made this all happen--from his wife Bridget’s two years of personal support to school administrators, friends, mentors, and Oklahoma Career Tech. “I am so thankful,” Palmer says, reflecting on the chance to share his aviation knowledge with the next generation. 

We know that Michael is just one of the awesome Choose Aerospace teachers running a great program this year. Please reach out to us at [email protected] and we will send you an interview form. We want to tell your story, too! 

Learn More 
Want to learn more about Michael Palmer and the Charles Page High School aviation program? Check out this recent article: 
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​https://www.newson6.com/the-porch-news-on-6/sand-springs-students-soar-with-hands-on-aviation-program-at-charles-page-high 

Michael Palmer being interviewed by a local TV station. Credit: April Wall