Students Take the Stage at VERTICON: Choose Aerospace Programs Shine at National Competition

​This spring, three Choose Aerospace programs stepped onto one of the biggest stages in aviation maintenance—the Aerospace Maintenance Council’s Competition at VERTICON in Atlanta—and what happened next was nothing short of remarkable. 

The Competition at VERTICON brings together top aviation maintenance talent from across the industry, including commercial teams, military units, and leading academic programs, all competing in timed, skills-based challenges like safety wiring, torque application, and troubleshooting. 

Among the competitors this year were three Choose Aerospace programs, representing the growing strength of high school aviation maintenance education. Represented were Putnam City High School (Putnam City, OK), Rising Aviation High School (Addison, TX), and Project Amplifi Youth Program (Marion, IL – fielding an incredible three teams). 

And then, something incredible happened. Rising Aviation High School of Addison, Texas didn’t just compete—they won. 

In their first-ever national competition appearance, Rising Aviation students earned the highest overall score, outperforming professional and military teams along the way. They didn’t just edge out the competition—they dominated it, earning top scores across multiple events. Let that sink in for a moment. High school students—still in the early stages of their training—standing at the top of a national competition in one of the most demanding technical fields in aviation. That’s what this work makes possible. 

Photo identification (L-to-R) Scott Steward, Snap-on Industrial; Thomas (TJ) Wilson, Rising Aviation High School; Garrett Moore, Rising Aviation High School; Sebastian Rosas, Rising Aviation High School; Pete Miller, Aviation Maintenance and Technology Instructor at Rising Aviation High School; Kassy Dena, Rising Aviation High School; Jades Barraza, Rising Aviation High School; Preston Simms, Rising Aviation High School; John Goglia, Chairman, Aerospace Maintenance Council.

But this story isn’t just about one team. It’s about all three programs that showed up, stepped into a high-pressure environment, and proved that they belong. Putnam City Aviation Academy was also recognized with the AMC Peer Team Award, voted on by fellow competitors and honoring the team that best demonstrated exceptional teamwork, professionalism, and sportsmanship throughout the event. Competing at this level takes more than technical skill. It takes discipline, preparation, teamwork, and confidence. It takes students willing to challenge themselves and instructors willing to push them to that level.

Pictured: Putnam City High School Team

​And none of it would have been possible without the support of industry partners. We would like to extend a special thank you to Southwest Airlines for providing flights for all three Choose Aerospace teams to attend the competition. That kind of support doesn’t just make participation possible—it creates life-changing opportunities for students to experience the industry firsthand and compete at the highest level. 

These students represented not only their schools, but the broader Choose Aerospace community—demonstrating that high school programs are developing real, job-ready skills that can stand alongside the best in the industry. 

The impact of this moment goes far beyond the competition floor. It sends a clear message to the aviation industry: The next generation of aviation maintenance technicians is already here—and they are ready. 

For the students, it’s a moment they will carry with them for years to come. For their instructors, it’s validation of the many hours spent preparing, coaching, and believing in what’s possible. 

And for all of us, it’s a glimpse into the future we are building together. We couldn’t be more proud.