James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year Award

Nomination Deadline: January 31

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:
2017: Collin McDonald, Student, 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 institution.

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: 35%
• 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: 25%
• Recommendation(s): A maximum of three additional recommendations will be considered to become as familiar as possible with the attributes, abilities and achievements of the nominated student. Total value: 10%

Award:  The James Rardon AMT Student of the Year award winner will receive an award plaque during the April ATEC Annual Conference Award Luncheon.  The winner will also receive:

• ATEC annual conference registration fee waiver,
• Reimbursement for coach airfare to/from the conference site,
• Lodging at the conference hotel for up to three (3) nights at ATEC group rate,
• Baggage fee reimbursement, and
• A $50 per day stipend to cover meals and other incidentals for up to three (3) days.

​​Reimbursement is payable by the Northrup Rice Foundation after the winner provides expense receipts.