DURANT, Okla. – The Southeastern Oklahoma State University Aviation Sciences Institute hosted the annual Aviation Awards night and Alumni Reunion Saturday.

The day’s activities began as alumni and students enjoyed a round of golf at Silverado Golf Course. The evening was spent reminiscing with fellow alumni and discussing career opportunities with current aviation students.

The crowning event of the evening was the presentation of scholarships and awards to the aviation students as their peers and families watched. Michael O’Dea of Grapevine, Texas, was honored as the Outstanding Senior in the Pilot Program and Zach Shamia of Edmond, Oklahoma, was named  the Outstanding Senior in the Aviation Management Program.

Zach Shamia, right, receives the Outstanding Senior Award in Aviation Management. Congratulating him are aviation faculty members Dr. Charles Marshall and Dr. Stanley Alluisi.

The following students received awards and scholarships:  Amanda Steele, Wylie, Texas; Ryan Gornto, Royse City, Texas; Nikola Topalovic, Heath, Texas; Ping Cheng, Edmond, Oklahoma; Scott Sundstrum, Friendswood, Texas; Morgan Hartwell, Bonham, Texas; Austin Ashlock,  Bonham, Texas; Blake Martin, Durant; Jordan Brummett, Whitewright, Texas; Dylan Hensen, Siloam Springs, Arkansas;  Logan Sanders, Sumner, Texas; Robert Jacobs, Denton, Texas; Elizabeth Cummins, McAlester, Oklahoma; Zach Everett, Durant; and Cameron Hise, Durant. 
A total of 19 scholarships and awards amounting to $18,000 were presented.

Michael O’Dea, center, receives the Outstanding Senior Award in the Pilot Program as aviation faculty members Kyle Thomas and John Van Bebber look on.