Dr. Tammera Holmes
Youth educator of the year award
Dr. Tammera Holmes
Honoring educators who open doors to aviation
Each year, Choose Aerospace presents the Dr. Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award to an exemplary teacher in the Choose Aerospace network.
The award recognizes an educator whose passion, dedication, and care for students reflect the values Dr. Holmes exemplified. Recipients engage and encourage their students, support fellow educators, and go beyond expectations to help young people discover their future in aviation.
Remembering Dr. Tammera Holmes
Dr. Tammera Holmes was a member of the Choose Aerospace Board of Directors, a nationally recognized aviation education advocate, and founder of AeroStar Avion Institute.
She devoted her life to expanding awareness of aviation careers and creating meaningful pathways into the industry, particularly for young people from communities that have historically lacked access to those opportunities. Through AeroStar, she helped thousands of students see aviation as a future they could reach.
Dr. Holmes believed deeply in the ability of educators and mentors to change the direction of a young person’s life. This award carries that belief forward by recognizing teachers who create opportunity, build confidence, and help students see what is possible.
Continuing her legacy
Choose Aerospace is grateful for the support of AeroStar Avion Institute in presenting this award in Dr. Holmes’s memory. AeroStar continues the work she began through programs that strengthen the aviation workforce, serve communities, and give students the skills and encouragement to take their next steps.
Through the award, Choose Aerospace and its partners also recognize the essential role teachers play in building aviation’s future.
Selection Criteria
The Dr. Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award is presented annually at the ATEC Annual Conference to a teacher serving a Choose Aerospace program who:
Past Recipients
2026: Brandi Peace
Choose Aerospace presented the inaugural Dr. Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award to Brandi Peace of Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, during the 2026 ATEC Annual Conference in Portland.
In the first year of her Choose Aerospace program, Brandi helped make Tri County Tech a leader in course completions. She worked closely with the Choose Aerospace team to improve the curriculum and learning experience, approached challenges with a positive, can-do attitude, and helped her students discover the possibilities available to them in aviation.
Her dedication to her students and willingness to strengthen the program for educators everywhere made Brandi a fitting first recipient of an award honoring Dr. Holmes’s life and legacy.
Each year, Choose Aerospace presents the Dr. Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award to an exemplary teacher in the Choose Aerospace network.
The award recognizes an educator whose passion, dedication, and care for students reflect the values Dr. Holmes exemplified. Recipients engage and encourage their students, support fellow educators, and go beyond expectations to help young people discover their future in aviation.
Remembering Dr. Tammera Holmes
Dr. Tammera Holmes was a member of the Choose Aerospace Board of Directors, a nationally recognized aviation education advocate, and founder of AeroStar Avion Institute.
She devoted her life to expanding awareness of aviation careers and creating meaningful pathways into the industry, particularly for young people from communities that have historically lacked access to those opportunities. Through AeroStar, she helped thousands of students see aviation as a future they could reach.
Dr. Holmes believed deeply in the ability of educators and mentors to change the direction of a young person’s life. This award carries that belief forward by recognizing teachers who create opportunity, build confidence, and help students see what is possible.
Continuing her legacy
Choose Aerospace is grateful for the support of AeroStar Avion Institute in presenting this award in Dr. Holmes’s memory. AeroStar continues the work she began through programs that strengthen the aviation workforce, serve communities, and give students the skills and encouragement to take their next steps.
Through the award, Choose Aerospace and its partners also recognize the essential role teachers play in building aviation’s future.
Selection Criteria
The Dr. Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award is presented annually at the ATEC Annual Conference to a teacher serving a Choose Aerospace program who:
- Demonstrates exceptional commitment to their students
- Brings passion, energy, and creativity to aviation education
- Creates welcoming pathways into aviation careers
- Engages and supports students and fellow educators
- Strengthens the Choose Aerospace curriculum and community
Past Recipients
2026: Brandi Peace
Choose Aerospace presented the inaugural Dr. Tammera Holmes Youth Educator of the Year Award to Brandi Peace of Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, during the 2026 ATEC Annual Conference in Portland.
In the first year of her Choose Aerospace program, Brandi helped make Tri County Tech a leader in course completions. She worked closely with the Choose Aerospace team to improve the curriculum and learning experience, approached challenges with a positive, can-do attitude, and helped her students discover the possibilities available to them in aviation.
Her dedication to her students and willingness to strengthen the program for educators everywhere made Brandi a fitting first recipient of an award honoring Dr. Holmes’s life and legacy.
Pictured:
Ryan Goertzen, President, Choose Aerospace
Kelly Filgo, Director of Operations, Choose Aerospace
Brandi Peace, Award Recipient, Tri County Tech
Kristy Farrakhan, Aerostar Avion Institute