Photo caption: Students in the Aviation Maintenance program gather with instructor Bryan Christian (right) before the start of Texas State Technical College’s Summer 2025 Commencement held Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the BASE at Extraco Events Center in Waco. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

(WACO, Texas) – More than 450 graduates of Texas State Technical College’s Waco campus are ready to soar into their new careers.

Among those receiving certificates of completion or associate degrees at the Aug. 27 commencement ceremony held at the BASE at Waco’s Extraco Events Center were more than 20 graduates of the Aviation Maintenance program.

“This group was extremely driven to succeed,” said Bryan Christian, an instructor in TSTC’s Aviation Maintenance program.

Nathaniel Pratt, of Gatesville, was an honors graduate who received Associate degrees in Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology. He said the first semester was his favorite because it solidified his appreciation for the aviation field.

Pratt commuted to Waco for classes, a drive he said he would not miss. But he said he would miss his instructors and the friends he made in the program.

Pratt will continue working at Centex Aviation in Gatesville.

Some graduates are still focused on finding the right job.

Keegan Harris, of New Braunfels, graduated with honors and received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Powerplant Technology. Watching him graduate were his wife, parents and grandparents.

“I am thankful to be done and thankful for the time I spent here (at TSTC),” he said.

Harris said he liked the hands-on work he did in the program, particularly working with sheet metal.

Devon Taylor, of Brady, was an honors graduate who received certificates of completion in Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology.

Taylor said he chose to pursue the field because it was something different.

“I just wanted to work with my hands, and I didn’t want to do anything with automobiles like before,” he said.

Also recognized were 11 outstanding TSTC alumni who each received a Trailblazer Award as part of the college’s 60th anniversary celebration.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu