Mangum Junior Rigley Fite Named Oklahoma Aircraft Maintenance Student of Distinction

MANGUM, Okla. — Rigley Fite, a junior at Mangum High School in Mangum, Okla., has been named the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics aircraft maintenance student of distinction for November 2026.

Fite also attends Southwest Technology Center, where he is enrolled in the general aircraft maintenance program. At Mangum High School, he maintains a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.

A three-sport athlete, Fite competes in football, basketball and baseball. Outside of school and athletics, he enjoys hunting on his family farm and studying aviation.

Following graduation, Fite plans to earn his Airframe and Powerplant certificate through the Southwest Technology Center program and pursue a career at Altus Air Force Base.

James Schroyer, Fite’s aircraft maintenance instructor, nominated him for the recognition.

“Rigley’s work ethic and commitment to improvement have been nothing short of remarkable,” Schroyer said. “His academic performance is progressively transforming him from a hesitant learner to becoming a highly capable, detail-oriented technician leader. These skills coupled with his exceptional resilience, and unwavering dedication to the strict safety cultures required in aviation make him an invaluable asset to any maintenance crew.”