Kenosha, Wis., March 25, 2026 – A group of students from Rising Aviation High School didn’t just show up to compete, they dominated. Rising Aviation earned the highest score in seven of nine events, propelling them to victory at the second annual Competition at VERTICON, presented by Snap-on, held during the 2026 VERTICON convention in Atlanta earlier this month. This marked the school’s first appearance in any national skills competition.
“We thought just being here would be a great experience for the kids and good for the school,” said Pete Miller, Aviation Maintenance and Technology Instructor at Rising Aviation High School. “I’m beyond thrilled for our students; they were the ones who achieved this.
“There’s definitely going to be a new attitude at the school. They know now that they have what it takes to succeed in this field. My goal is to develop competent, professional mechanics, and this is a huge step in that direction.”
Based in Addison, Texas, Rising Aviation High School is a private institution offering a STEAM-focused curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Aviation, and Math) with an emphasis on aviation and aerospace technology. The school prepares students to continue their academic studies in college or trade school and pursue careers in aviation.
Now in its second year, The Competition at VERTICON is an aviation skills event hosted by the Aerospace Maintenance Council (www.amccompetition.com). The event gives licensed AMTs, AMEs, military personnel, and qualified aviation maintenance students the opportunity to test their skills against their peers. This year’s competition in Atlanta featured 22 teams, two commercials, six military, and 14 schools, competing in areas such as safety wiring, torque application, thrust reverser troubleshooting, and borescope inspection. Teams had 15 minutes to complete each task accurately; those who finished early and met safety standards earned higher scores, while errors resulted in deductions.
Each of the nine events was officiated by a corporate sponsor and included prizes for top performers. As overall champions, Miller, assistant coach and school principal Kassandra Dena, and student competitors Garrett Moore, Jaden Barraza, and Thomas (TJ) Wilson took home a replica helicopter crafted from Snap-on tools. A full list of event sponsors and results can be found here: The Competition at VERTICON: 2026 Results & Highlights – Aerospace Maintenance Council.
Snap-on’s role as presenting sponsor of The Competition at VERTICON and the Council’s flagship event, The Competition at MRO Americas, underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to aviation maintenance technicians worldwide. This year, Snap-on is donating more than $150,000 in tools and equipment prizes for top finishers in both events.
Click here to watch a short video highlighting Rising Aviation High School’s achievements at the 2026 Competition at VERTICON: https://youtu.be/DyPF1XHbm-c
For more information about Snap-on, call 877.740.1900 or visit https://www.snapon.com/Aviation. For more information on The Competition at VERTICON or MRO Americas, visit www.amccompetition.com.
Photo identification (L-to-R)
Scott Steward, Snap-on Industrial; Thomas (TJ) Wilson, Rising Aviation High School; Garrett Moore, Rising Aviation High School; Sebastian Rosas, Rising Aviation High School; Pete Miller, Aviation Maintenance and Technology Instructor at Rising Aviation High School; Kassy Dena, Rising Aviation High School; Jades Barraza, Rising Aviation High School; Preston Simms, Rising Aviation High School; John Goglia, Chairman, Aerospace Maintenance Council.
About Aerospace Maintenance Council
The Aerospace Maintenance Council is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports the aviation maintenance profession. The Council’s two skills events, The Competition at VERTICON and MRO Americas, recognize and celebrate aviation maintenance technicians and raise awareness of the knowledge and skill required to maintain safe, airworthy aircraft worldwide.
Snap-on / Competition Media Contacts:
Steve Staedler
262-754-9550
steve@lepoidevinmarketing.com
Crystal Maguire
888-503-2914
team@aerospacecompetition.com
