Putnam City Schools is proud to announce the official opening of its new one-of-a-kind Aviation Program facility, located at the Wiley Post Airport. The occasion was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on August 22, 2024, at the new facility. This marks a significant milestone in the District’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art educational opportunities that prepare students for a future in all facets of the aviation industry.
District leaders, community members, local officials, and aviation industry partners, all gathered to celebrate the expansion of Putnam City Schools’ Aviation Program, acknowledging the critical partnerships that paved the way for this bold step. Dr. Keely Frayser, Chief Academic Officer, said “This is a testament to what’s possible when passion, dedication, and innovation come together.” Additional speakers included Brent Haken, CEO/Director of Oklahoma Career Tech, Grayson Ardies, Executive Director of Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, and Jeff Mulder, Director of Airports.
Putnam City School Board President, Gail LoPresto, alongside Putnam City Superintendent Dr. Fred Rhodes, and Career Tech Coordinator Denise Hensley, cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the doors to the facility. Guests were then given tours of the facility by current PC Aviation students, showcasing the advanced equipment and resources available while highlighting the facility's proximity to the Wiley Post runway.
The new facility will serve as a hub for hands-on learning, where students can gain real-world experience in aviation maintenance, operations, and technology. The program is designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of aerospace professionals, offering courses that range from introductory aviation studies to specialized training in aircraft maintenance and piloting.
The program has officially graduated ten interns through partnerships with AAR and with the tremendous industry, professional, and community support of the new facility, the program will continue to expand, offering even more opportunities for students to boldly pursue their passion for aviation.