Hundreds Of High School Students Participate In Aviation Day

There's a big push happening to get more kids involved in aviation, which is Oklahoma’s second-largest industry.

Hundreds of high school students took part in an event in Pryor to learn more about careers in aviation.

Pryor High School's aviation STEM day has it all, including hot air balloons, drones, pilots, and even Osage SkyNews 6 pilot, Dustin Stone.

"What do they do after they're through with their high school pathway, where do they go," asked Paula Kedy with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.

She said the event is all about preparing kids for their futures.

"There are lots and lots of careers, we're making those known with days like this," said Kedy.

She said Pryor is an aviation high school of excellence, which means they're leading the way in aviation curriculum for other schools in the area.

There is a ton of stuff to inspire kids in the field of aviation, including a plane being built by Pryor High School Students.

"Right around here is where you sit, and it's not big at all I think I'd barely fit in it," said Pryor Sophomore Jace Trent.

He said he never thought he'd build a plane in high school.

"It's really amazing that I can do something like this and it's kind of crazy that I actually am doing this. I thought it would have been kind of scary building a plane, but it turns out it wasn't as bad as a thought surprisingly," said Trent.

His teacher Dr. Jenny Peters said this prepares her students for aviation jobs that are in high demand in Oklahoma.

"They learn the physics and the science behind and the math behind how this airplane will operate in the air," said Peters.

She said that's the knowledge that will take these students far.