Meet LPS Focus Program Senior: Oztin, Aviation and Technical Education

April 17, 2025

The mission of Lincoln Public Schools is to prepare ALL students for successful careers, lifelong learning and civic engagement.

High school graduation is a culmination of our scholars' and educators' hard work toward this significant milestone. 

The LPS Focus Programs’ core values of exploration, education, engagement and empowerment are beliefs rooted in the overall LPS mission and the school district’s commitment to high school graduation. 

Read how senior Oztin used the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program at North Star to Launch at LPS in this Q&A. 

 

Name: Oztin

Grade: 12

Home High School: North Star 

Focus Program: Aviation and Technical Education

 

Why did you choose the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program?

I chose to be in the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program at Lincoln North Star because I had taken the power mechanics class sophomore year and fell in love with working with my hands in class. That class made me want to take the other programs my school offered and I had taken all the aviation classes at my school. They now offer more, and I wish I could take them.

How did the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program change your high school experience?

The program my school offers has changed my high school experience by showing me the different career paths available to me. The Duncan Aviation internship offered by my school has a full-time career lined up for me as soon as I graduate. 

What is the greatest lesson you learned from the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program? Why?

The greatest lesson I have learned from this focus program is that to do anything in life, you need the confidence to do it. Be confident in your abilities and your answers. 

How did the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program help you reach your graduation goals?

The Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program has helped me reach my goals by showing me what I can do. Before I started this program, I did not know what I wanted to do in life after graduation. 

What are your post-graduation plans?

I have a job lined up at Duncan Aviation when I graduate. I am very grateful for the position the Aviation and Technical Education Focus program has given me. 

How did the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program help prepare you for those post-graduation plans? 

I had wanted to go to Iowa Western Community College to get my Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certification, but I had learned that I could learn while getting paid at Duncan Aviation. 

Then, I decided to go straight to work instead of going to Iowa Western Community College.

How did the Aviation and Technical Education Focus Program help prepare you for the future?

I have learned very valuable life skills through this program. This program has taught me to be confident in my abilities, always learn new things when available and treat every conversation like an interview. You never know who you're talking to. 

What would your advice be to younger students considering joining your focus program? Why?

Jump at the opportunity to learn these things. When I first started, I thought I wouldn't like it, but I fell in love with the content and it just came naturally.

What are you most thankful for about this experience? Why?

I am most thankful for the Duncan Aviation internship that this program offers. This class offers hands-on work in the hangars at Duncan Aviation. It also lets students build relationships with future coworkers.

 

Congratulations, Oztin! We wish you the best in your future endeavors. We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!

Choose your passion. Choose your community. Choose your future with LPS Focus Programs. 

Learn more about Aviation and Technical Education at North Star by visiting its website at https://aviation.lps.org/ or stop by our website home.lps.org/focus to get more information about all our focus programs.

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