Stillwater Senior Gabriel Cantu Recognized for Academics and Leadership
STILLWATER, Okla., – The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) is proud to announce Gabriel Cantu, a senior at Stillwater High School (SHS), as the Student of the Month for March 2026. This award recognizes Cantu’s academic performance, leadership within the SHS aviation program, and his significant progress toward becoming a professional pilot.
Cantu has been enrolled in the SHS aviation and aeronautics program during the past four years. His dedication to the field led him to establish an aviation club at the school, fostering a community for fellow enthusiasts. Cantu served as one of five student aviators representing Stillwater in the inaugural Oklahoma High School Aviation State Championship. His contributions to the school community have also earned him the title of “Pioneer of the Month.”
Beyond the classroom, Cantu has made substantial strides in his flight training. He successfully passed his FAA private pilot written exam and has already logged 30 flight hours. Cantu has reached the critical milestone of completing his first solo flight and is currently working toward his cross-country solo requirements.
Cantu attributes his work ethic and success to his parents, citing them as role models who taught him the value of perseverance. While his interest in flight was sparked during his sophomore year, it has since evolved into a rigorous professional pursuit through both the SHS aviation program and his personal training as a student pilot.
Cantu maintains a 4.1 grade point average and is a member of both the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. His talents extend into the arts as an accomplished musician as he was selected for the All-State band on alto saxophone. These diverse involvements have allowed him to take on significant leadership roles within the school and the broader Stillwater community, where he also volunteers for a local pet rescue and adoption program.
Upon graduation, Cantu plans to attend Oklahoma State University to major in aviation. His long-term goal is to fly for a major airline. His aviation instructor, Larry Hesler, praised Cantu’s forward-thinking approach to his career.
“Gabriel is one of my best Aviation IV students and one of the hardest working students I have,” said Hesler. “I appreciate the fact that Gabe has given his future a lot of thought. The pro pilot program is highly competitive at OSU and he is not certain he can finish his private before the deadline to apply. If he is not selected for admission this year, he already plans to major in aviation management and then reapply to the program when his private is complete. I think this type of maturity will ensure him great success in the future.”
The Oklahoma aerospace community congratulates Cantu on this achievement and wishes him clear skies as he continues his journey at the collegiate level.
