Awards
Each year, ATEC honors outstanding students, educators, and emerging leaders whose achievements advance aviation technician education.
James Rardon Student of the Year
Presented by ATEC, in collaboration with:
Purpose: The Rardon Award recognizes the outstanding achievement of an Aviation Maintenance Technician student. The achievement must be demonstrated through academics as well as through involvement that makes a direct impact on the student’s associates, school and/or community.
Past Recipients:
2025: Brittany McFadden, Alabama Aviation College
2024: Forrest Zischkau, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
2023: Aaron Phillips, Alabama Aviation College
2022: Waren Lelewa, Blue Ridge Community College
2021: JuliAnne Miller, Lansing Community College
2020: Nicole Cain, Aviation Institute of Maintenance
2019: Mikayla Green, Colorado Northwestern Community College
2018: Jason Gries, Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Norfolk & Anthony Kinsey, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
2017: Collin McDonald, Middle Tennessee State University
2016: Joel Brashear, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
2015: Russell Wheatley, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
2014: Cody Marks, Lewis University
2013: Maria Liberto, Aviation Institute of Maintenance
2012: Karen Knewtson, Salt Lake Community College
2011: Debra Monchilov, Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology
2010: Mabel Hinton, Middle Tennessee State University
2009: Brian Brunner, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
2008: Shawn Smith, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
2007: Brenda Wallace, Aviation Institute of Maintenance
2006: Blaze Mitanoski, Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology
2005: David Garvin, Tulsa Technology Center
2004: Erin Burleson, Purdue University, Aviation Technology Department
2003: James Guidry, Sr., Hallmark Institute of Aeronautics
2002: Michael Moreland, Antelope Valley College
2001: Michael Harris, Everett Community College
2000: Denise Nugent, Colorado Aero Tech
Eligibility: To be nominated, an individual must be a full-time AMT student at an ATEC member school
Requirements:
- Nominators may only submit one nomination for the award
- Nominators must submit two recommendation letters from third parties
Review Process: A selection committee made up of ATEC member representatives will review all submissions and select award finalists. Nomination packages for the finalists are then forwarded to the Northrop Rice Foundation Board of Directors for final selection
Selection Criteria:
- Leadership/Motivation: What has the student done to encourage and lead his/her fellow students to newer and higher levels of learning, or to promote aviation maintenance as a career? Total value: 30%
- Academics: How has the student approached his/her own learning, and what grade level has the student achieved? Total value: 30%
- School/Community: What has the student done to assist the school faculty develop new/better training methods, maintain necessary records and maintenance requirements, and/or promote the institution in the community? Total value: 20%
- Recommendation(s): Two additional recommendations will be considered to become as familiar as possible with the attributes, abilities and achievements of the nominated student. Total value: 20%
Award: The recipient will receive the following thanks to our generous donors.
- Complimentary registration to attend the ATEC Annual Conference
- Complimentary hotel for up to three (3) nights
- Reimbursement of coach airfare cost to/from the conference and $100 per diem for up to three (3) days (provided by the Northrop Rice Foundation)
- Toolbox (provided by Snap-on)
Nominations are due February 2, 2026.
Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of the Year Award
In Memoriam: Mr. Ivan Livi (1920-2015) was one of the council's founding fathers and provided leadership to our organization for more than fifty years. His passion for guiding aviation and maintenance students was infectious and he loved his role on the Northrop Rice Foundation, which gave him a venue to provide scholarships for young men and women to attend our member institutions. Ivan laid the foundation for ATEC to grow and develop into what it is today. His life - spanning nine decades - is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, hard work and a commitment to serving others. The council seeks to honor Mr. Livi's legacy through the Ivan D. Livi Educator of the Year Award.
Purpose: This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of an aviation maintenance technology instructor. This achievement can be in the form of a single event or long term outstanding performance but must have had a direct impact on the Aviation Maintenance student. A selection committee made up of ATEC member representatives selects award winners, which are recognized at the ATEC Conference.
Past recipients:
2025: Omar Aquilera, California Aeronautical University
2024: Mark Thom, Purdue University
2023: Richard Johnson, Liberty University
2022: Brad McDonald, Federal Aerospace Institute
2021: Steven Locklear, Kansas State University Polytechnic
2020: Albert Simon, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
2019: Galen Wilson, Westfield Technical Academy
2017: Andrew Smith, Kansas State University Polytechnic
2016: Mark Peeples, Wayne Community College
2015: Nancy Jones, Aviation Institute of Maintenance
2014: Michael Smith, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics – Myrtle Beach Campus
2013: Fred Dyen, Blue Ridge Community College
2012: Jaime Horning, Salt Lake Community College
2011: Neal Perkins, Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology
2009: Michael Westenkirchner, Hallmark College of Aeronautics
2007: Ronald Sterkenburg, Purdue University
2006: Jerome Bradley, Central Campus, Des Moines Public Schools
2005: Robert Takacs, Reedley College
2004: David Stanley, Purdue University
2003: Fred Schneeberger, St. Louis University
2002: Joseph McCourt, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
2001: James Rhonemus, Clover Park Technical College
2000: William Watkins, Purdue University
1999: Brian Allen, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics / United Technical Center
1998: William Hopper, Parks College
1997: Lucas Martinez, Colorado Aero Tech
1996: John Scheulen, Linn State Technical College
1995: Charles Rodriguez, Southern Illinois University
1994: Darrell Downing, Parks College
1993: Raymond Thompson, Purdue University
1992: Michael Williams, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
1991: Roger Carr, LeTourneau University
1990: Tim VanLoon, Winona Technical College
Eligibility: To be eligible for the ATEC Livi Educator Award, the nominee must:
- Be an active instructor of airframe and/or powerplant technicians. The applicant's workload must be of such a nature that they spend 80% of their time in contact with students teaching aviation maintenance technology classes.
- Nominations may be based upon one particular outstanding achievement or consistent contributions and above-average performance
Requirements:
- Nominators may only submit one nomination for the award
- Nominators must submit two recommendation letters from third parties
Selection Criteria:
- Initiative/Creativity: What did this person do, what new ideas or applications were used and what was the outcome? Total Value: 15%
- Attitude/Performance: What was the direct impact to the student(s)? How was the attitude and/or performance of the student effected by the event, ideas, or performance? Total value: 15%
- Education/Training: What education and training does the nominee possess? How did this influence the event, idea, or performance? (10%)
- Benefits/Effect: What benefits did the event, idea or performance provide? Total value: 10%
- ATEC Member: Is the educator's institution an ATEC member? Total value: 50%
Award: The winner will receive free registration at the ATEC annual conference, reimbursement of coach airfare cost to/from the conference and complimentary hotel for up to three (3) nights.
Nominations are due February 2, 2026.
ATEC Professional Development Awards
Presented by ATEC, in collaboration with:
Purpose: The ATEC Professional Development Awards provide support for ATEC members to pursue learning opportunities that advance their careers and benefit aviation maintenance education.
Aviation Maintenance Training System, provided by Nida
The training system includes a Model 130ST Trainer, a Model 1438G Fundamentals of Aviation Maintenance Technology Program, a Model 1438P Aircraft Electrical Programs with experiment card set, and a Basic ten (10) Student Software License that includes a learning management system and student monitoring system. The award includes a one-year software support warranty and a 5-year hardware warranty. The value of this award is $13,385.00.
Dale Hurst Memorial Scholarship, provided by AVOTEK
The scholarship provides transportation and per diem funds, up to $2,000, for an AMT instructor to attend a one- to three-day airline manufacturer, vendor, or other industry aviation maintenance workshop, seminar, or training course. Travel funds approved prior to the course are paid following receipt of actual travel expense documentation, successful completion documentation from the course provider, and a brief report about the training that can be published by Avotek and/or ATEC.
ATEC Academy Professional Development Award
This award provides an instructor with registration costs to attend a future session of ATEC Academy, supporting professional growth, instructional excellence, and continued engagement with aviation maintenance education best practices.
Eligibility:
- Be an active instructor of airframe and/or powerplant technicians at an ATEC member school.
- Spend at least 80% of their workload in direct contact with students teaching aviation maintenance technology courses.
- Demonstrate outstanding achievement in aviation maintenance education through a single notable accomplishment or consistent above-average performance and contributions.
Applications are due February 2, 2026.