Students Take Flight at the 2025 Dee Howard Foundation Drone Competition

On November 15, more than 250 middle and high school students from across Texas gathered at the Boeing Center at Tech Port for the 2025 Dee Howard Foundation Drone Competition. The event marked the largest K–12 drone competition in the United States and showcased the growing momentum for hands-on, future-ready aerospace education in our region.

From the moment the doors opened, teams brought energy, curiosity, and determination to this year’s theme, “Eyes in the Aisles,” a challenge centered on warehouse logistics, autonomous flight, and real-world problem solving. Students demonstrated flight control, coding, engineering, and teamwork as they navigated their missions on the competition floor.

Statewide Participation

This year’s competition drew students from an impressive list of districts:
Corpus Christi ISD, Deer Park ISD, East Central ISD, Harlandale ISD, Houston ISD, Judson ISD, Medina Valley ISD, North East ISD, Northside ISD, ResponsiveEd, San Antonio ISD, the School of Science and Technology, South San Antonio ISD, Southwest ISD, and Stafford MSD.

The diversity of participating districts reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to emerging technologies and pathways that prepare students for high-demand careers in aerospace and advanced air mobility.

“These students are building the future workforce of Texas. This competition shows what is possible when schools, industry, and community partners come together to create opportunities,” said Christopher Mammen, Executive Director of The Dee Howard Foundation

Celebrating Our Champions

The day culminated in a standout performance by the Grand Champion, Loma Alta Middle School from Medina Valley ISD. Their precision, teamwork, and problem solving set them apart in a field filled with talented competitors.

We are proud to celebrate all event winners across multiple categories. A full chart of results can be found below:

2025 Dee Howard Foundation Drone Competition Winners

Behind the Scenes: Volunteers, Partners, and Event Crew

A competition of this scale is only possible through the support of a broad community.

Title Sponsor: Port San Antonio
Additional Sponsors: Amazon and CPS Energy

We extend sincere appreciation to Emcee Zay Zay Aquino, DJs DJ Flash and DJ Quake, and the exceptional Iconic Drone team. Their leadership, technical expertise, and mentorship helped elevate the experience for students, educators, and families.

More than 40 volunteers powered the event, serving as judges, flight marshals, registration support, and logistics help. Their service ensured students could focus on learning, competing, and celebrating their hard work.

“It takes a community to deliver hands-on STEM education at this level. We are grateful to every partner and volunteer who gave their time,” said Joe Fisher, Board Chair of The Dee Howard Foundation and President of Hallmark University

A Growing Movement in Aerospace Education

The competition is a capstone experience for students who participate in The Dee Howard Foundation’s growing drone education pipeline. Through hands-on flight operations, engineering, assembly, coding, and career-connected learning, students build skills that translate directly into emerging fields such as:

• Advanced air mobility
• Industrial drone operations
• Aviation maintenance
• Automation and logistics
• STEM and engineering pathways

Many students are working toward or earn their FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, opening doors to commercial opportunities in high-demand sectors.

In the news...

Media coverage helped share the students’ accomplishments with audiences across the region.

• KSAT 12 News - https://youtu.be/smRukOR6Mkg?si=s8UKmWLC_r3aDRgK
• "Drone competition shows how experiential learning shapes San Antonio’s future" (Express News Opinion)
• "The Future Is Here: Student Drone Innovators Take the Controls at Tech Port" (Port San Antonio)

Event Photo Gallery

Check back soon!

Looking Ahead to 2026–27

The 2025 competition showcased what is possible when students are trusted with real tools and real challenges. The Dee Howard Foundation will continue expanding its drone curriculum, teacher professional development, and aerospace career pathway initiatives to reach even more schools in the year ahead.

We look forward to welcoming returning and new teams to the 2026–27 School Year Drone Competition, where students will once again take on an exciting real-world challenge that pushes their creativity and skills to new heights.