Class of 2025 graduate Nicholas Rowland was named the Oklahoma Department of Aeronautics and Aviation (ODAA) Student of the Year on June 10, 2025, a proud moment for his family and our District. This top honor recognizes Rowland’s exceptional achievements in aviation, academics, and community service, and shines a spotlight on the strength of Pryor’s Aviation Program.
Earlier this year, Nicholas was named the ODAA Aerospace Student of the Month for January 2025. He delivered a compelling speech on the floor of the State Senate. In his remarks, Nicholas highlighted the wide range of career opportunities presented in the Pryor High School’s aviation program pathways: licensed pilots, certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians, and experts in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Rowland found his passion in drone piloting early in the program. He earned his FAA Part 107 certification and became a licensed commercial drone pilot. He and his family now operate an LLC offering drone photography and videography services, and he also supports his family’s ranch operations using his drone skills.
His achievements extend well beyond aviation. During high school, he served as:
President of the National Honor Society
Treasurer of Student Council
A member of Mu Alpha Theta
A starting member of the varsity soccer team
A five-year member of the Pryor Band, serving three years as a percussion and drumline leader
Rowland holds the rank of Cadet Chief Master Sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol, where he has served as Flight Sergeant and First Sergeant. His drone piloting skills have qualified him to serve on emergency service response teams.
Looking ahead, Nicholas has been accepted into the Honors College at Oklahoma State University. He plans to major in aeronautical engineering and conduct research for the OSU Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE), with long-term goals of designing and testing unmanned aerial systems.
In nominating Nicholas, his aviation teacher Dr. Jenny Peters shared,
“In addition to his many remote pilot activities, Nick has participated on a variety of panel discussions to provide his perspective on remote pilot training and coursework. He has served on the student panel for the Thunderbird Drone Festival and served the OETA as a student consultant. I truly believe Nick sets the standard for the ODAA Oklahoma Aerospace Student of the Month.”
We couldn’t agree more. Congratulations, Nicholas! Your accomplishments soar high, and the Oklahoma aerospace community proudly salutes you.
