Fairmont State celebrates fifth AFJROTC Flight Academy graduation with 100% FAA certification success

Fairmont State’s Aviation Center of Excellence graduated its fifth AFJROTC Flight Academy class—one college ROTC and nine high school cadets from eight states—each earning FAA private pilot certification, maintaining a five-year 100% pass rate.

News Release
August 13, 2025

Fairmont State University’s Aviation Center of Excellence proudly celebrated the graduation of its fifth class of U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Flight Academy cadets this summer. One college ROTC cadet and nine high school students from across the nation completed the intensive eight-week training program and earned their FAA private pilot certifications—maintaining the program’s perfect 100% pass rate for the fifth straight year.

This year’s cadets hailed from eight different states and represent the best of a highly competitive national selection process:

Cameron Armstrong – Santa Clarita, CA
Westin Barton – Helotes, TX
Mason Baird – Las Vegas, NV
Victor Dibartolo – Sanford, FL
Jason Dowdy – Aydlett, NC
Gavin Garcia – San Antonio, TX
Harrison McMorrow – Pittsburgh, PA
Peyton Scott – Sorrento, FL
Alexander Shaffer – Gilbert, AZ
Samuel Sumner – George, UT

“We were thrilled to welcome these cadets to Fairmont State and very proud of what they accomplished during their time with us,” said President Mike Davis. “What makes our aviation program the best is the combination of a great education and great people—our dedicated faculty and instructor pilots, many of whom are alumni, our incredible students, and the supporters who believe in our mission. Together, they’re putting Fairmont State on the national map and shaping both great pilots and great citizens.”

Since 2021, Fairmont State has partnered with the U.S. Air Force to deliver AFJROTC Flight Academy. The Flying Falcons are one of only 20 university programs in the nation to deliver this elite educational experience. Cadets complete both ground school and flight instruction, earning a Private Pilot Rating that allows them to fly single-engine aircraft—often before they graduate high school.

“This marks our fifth successful year hosting one of the most elite aviation training programs in the country. For the past four years, our program has ranked among the top two of all 20 participating universities nationwide,” said Director and Chief Instructor Joel Kirk. “Now in our fifth year, we’re proud to continue a 100% success rate—every cadet who completed training left with their Private Pilot, Single-Engine Land rating in just eight weeks. Over the last five summers, we’ve helped nearly 45 students earn their wings.”

Fairmont State also recognized several outstanding aviation students through two scholarship programs that reward academic excellence, leadership, and flight potential:

Mountaineer Heroes of Honor Scholarships

Presented by the Mountaineer Heroes of Honor Foundation, these scholarships support veterans and active-duty service members in West Virginia.

George Skinner (USN) – $2,000, Elkins, WV
Carter Dyson (USAF) – $2,000, Fairmont, WV

Don Judy Commercial Pilot Scholarships

Founded by legendary West Virginia aviator and Hall of Fame inductee Don Judy, this scholarship program awards up to $25,000 annually to the most promising commercial-level students.

Michael Oliverio – $2,500, Bridgeport, WV
Justin Johnson – $5,000, Bridgeport, WV
Chloe Blake – $5,000, Leon, WV
Willa Sharbaugh – $5,000, Bridgeport, WV
George Skinner – $2,500, Elkins, WV

Don Judy Instructor Scholarship

Awarded to a student pursuing a career as a certified flight instructor.

Matthew Holbert – $2,000, Shinnston, WV

Fairmont State continues to serve as a national leader in aviation education, military training, and career development. The university’s Aviation Center of Excellence is committed to preparing students for successful futures in both military and civilian aviation sectors.