ATEC Recognizes Students of the Year

​Congratulations to Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Norfolk student Jason Gries and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology student Anthony Kinsey who were co-recipients of this year’s Student of the Year award.
 
In partnership with the Northrop Rice Foundation (NRF), each year the council presents the Rardon Award in recognition of an aviation maintenance technician student’s outstanding achievements demonstrated through academics and involvement that directly impacts the student’s associates, school and/or community.
 
This year, NRF and ATEC recognized two students.
 
Kinsey is president of the Spartan student council and organizes study groups and weekend hands-on learning. He volunteers his time to promote aviation through events such as Spartan Aviation Day, student BBQs, and the Wounded Warrior 5K, and assists with creating new training and refurbished training aids. He also set up a Veterans social group to help students with PTSD and veterans related issues. According to nominator and Spartan campus directory Nicholas Brown, Kinsey is adamant about his studies, at the top of his class, and has achieved a 90% or better on all of his exams.
 
Gries is an active member of the Student Veteran Organization, and volunteers for a variety of activities including student cookouts, fundraisers, and meetings to help support the veteran community. Nominator and AIM program coordinator Tim Murray describes him as “the most talented student currently attending [AIM]” and as the “type of mechanic who fixes problems before they happen.” Gries boasts a 4.0 GPA and has earned a reputation for picking his instructors brains before and after class, taking on extra shops projects when he finishes his assigned tasks early.
 
Both students were presented their awards at the ATEC Annual Conference Awards Luncheon, sponsored by AVOTEK. Congratulations to Jason and Anthony, and best of luck in all your endeavors!