By ALISA THOMAS

Staff Writer

The department of aviation announced its Student, Faculty and Flight Instructor of the Year recipients along with the Katie Leslie Memorial Scholarship recipient at its annual aviation banquet held April 24.

Professional Aviation Student of the Year, Seth Simpson, a senior aviation major, maintains a 4.0 GPA. He appreciates his recognition and thanks his family for their help.

“It’s a great honor to be deemed aviation student of the year,” Simpson said. “This success isn’t all my success. Friends and family have given me little pushes along the way.”

Simpson was chosen by professional aviation faculty members.

He encourages other aviation students not to give less than 100 percent.

“If you know you have given full effort more than likely you will succeed,” Simpson said. “Get out and do the best job you can.”

Gary Odom, an assistant professor of aviation and an assistant chief flight instructor, was named Faculty Member of the Year.

Aviation students could vote for any of the seven faculty members.

Odom said he is elated to have been recognized by the aviation management and professional aviation majors as faculty member of the year.

“I am deeply honored to have received the Faculty of the Year award, especially since we have such outstanding and devoted faculty in the department,” Odom said. “In my opinion, I could not have received a higher accolade.”

Matt Tompkins, an administrative assistant, is honored to have been recognized as Flight Instructor of the Year.

“I was thrilled and shocked to have been chosen,” Tompkins said. “It’s real good to have fellow instructors nominate you.”

Instructors from Alpha Eta Rho, the department of aviation’s honorary fraternity, hosted the banquet and selected Tompkins.

Tompkin’s goal is to teach professional aviation in hopes of students one day becoming pilots.

“I just try to be one of the best instructors,” Tompkins said. “I try to help move students along in their training smoothly to avoid an overpayment in classes.”

Jane Capstick, a senior aviation major, received the Katie Leslie Memorial Scholarship.

Leslie is a graduate from Tech’s professional aviation program.

Leslie's family started the scholarship last year, after her death in a flying accident.

Capstick is honored and happy to have been chosen by the aviation faculty for such an award.

Leslie’s parents presented Capstick with the scholarship.