The presentation of the 24th A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year Award will be tomorrow night at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Air Force Base, Ohio.
Teachers had a profound influence on Scott’s life and because of this, he established this award in 1986 to show his appreciation and to reward and recognize Kindergarten-12th grade teachers.
Each year the selection committee is faced with the difficult task of selecting only one winner. All nominees were extraordinary in one way or another, and all are dedicated enthusiastic motivators and educators.
This year’s winner is retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bill Powley. Lt. Col. Bill Powley is a Vietnam veteran fighter pilot with experience in F-4, A-7, and F-16 jets. Because he is passionate about introducing teenagers to flight. When he retired from the military he began teaching Air Force Junior ROTC classes at Unicoi County High School in a small town in east Tennessee. This county has no airport, but he built a remarkable aviation success story and today he teaches Aerospace Science and JROTC at Sullivan High School South in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Lt. Col. Bill Powley founded FLIGHT Foundation which stands for Flight Lessons Instructional Grants Helping Teens. This Foundation provides grants and other benefits to help teens learn to fly.
Over the last 19 years, he has soloed over 85 students, flown over 3900 students on orientation flights, 4 private pilots, 4 USAF Academy appointments, 2 West Point appointments and 4 MTSU pilot majors. (Middle Tennessee State University)
His course not only requires the cadets to take required academic courses but they also take specially designed aviation courses. Lt. Col. Powley takes the cadets on learning field trips to enhance their knowledge of historic places in the country including aviation sites. His dedication, “can do” attitude, and contributions to aerospace education make him this year’s A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year.