HAGERSTOWN – The 19th annual Aviation Education & Career Expo, one of the largest and most impactful aviation events in the United States, is set for Friday, Nov. 7, at Rider Jet Center, where high school and college students can connect with industry professionals and explore aerospace careers.
The event, themed “Dream It Today … Live It Tomorrow,” runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rider Jet Center on Rider Jet Center Boulevard in Hagerstown. Free admission and lunch are provided. Co-founded by aviation professionals Julie O’Brien and Sarah Thompson, the expo has connected students with mentors, resources and hands-on experiences since 2005. It brings together industry leaders, educational institutions and aviation organizations for interactive activities, keynote speakers and networking.
Since its inception, the expo has awarded scholarships and internships, granting more than $1.7 million in scholarships to date. Over $1 million in scholarships will be available this year. The Legacy Awards will honor individuals who left lasting impacts on aviation, including posthumous recognitions for Jason Emeric Brunsman and LeRoy W. Homer Jr.
Brunsman, who died Feb. 14 at age 19, was a Northern Virginia Community College student and Civil Air Patrol 2nd lieutenant. He served as flight sergeant, first sergeant, aerospace officer and executive officer, and was active in CyberPatriot, StellarXplorers and the Honor Guard. Known for his selflessness — from aiding the homeless to supporting fellow officers — Brunsman’s passion for God, family and flight inspired the Aviation Education Committee and many others.
Homer, first officer on United Airlines Flight 93 that crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 11, 2001, is remembered through the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation. The group encourages young adults to pursue piloting careers and raises aviation awareness, awarding two annual flight scholarships for private pilot certification.
Attendees can expect demonstrations from guest speakers and teams. Former U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighter pilot Micah “Snoop” Lenox, now an L-39 Albatros jet demonstrator and instructor with Up and Ready Flight Support, will deliver a high-performance demo flight and mentorship. The U.S. Army Golden Knights, the Army’s elite parachute demonstration team, will showcase precision free-fall jumps and aerial displays emphasizing teamwork and service.
Potomac Consolidated TRACON air traffic controller Taylor Warren will speak on managing airspace for Washington Dulles, Reagan National, Baltimore-Washington International and Richmond airports. He is active in the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, advocating for staffing and safety.
Executive chef Young Park, founder of First Chime In-Flight Catering in Frederick, Maryland, will share insights on her bespoke meals for clients at major D.C.-area airports. A classically trained chef and former flight attendant, Park offers private dining and corporate attendant training.
South Mountain Aviation, a Hagerstown-based maintenance firm founded in 2024 at Rider Jet Center, will host a demonstration. The company specializes in servicing light corporate jets like Gulfstreams, Citations and Hawkers, providing heavy checks, avionics repairs, mobile responses and interior restorations.
Rider Jet Center is hosting the event and serving as a major sponsor. For more information, scan the QR code on Paragon Aviation Group materials or visit the organization’s website.
