The sky is no longer the limit for two remarkable students from ʻEwa Makai Middle School.
Eighth graders Rinarose Palacpac and Rachel Kauihou are the 2026 National Champions after winning the inaugural National SkillsUSA Commercial Drone Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. Competing against the nation's best, they completed the same challenging commercial drone missions required of high school and college competitors—and came home with the gold.
The victory adds another chapter to the school's growing legacy of excellence. Led by Coaches Keao Cockett and Valerie Oka, the ʻEwa Makai Middle School Aviation Pathways Program previously captured the 2024 National Middle School Aerial Drone Competition Championship and has quickly become one of the nation's premier middle school drone programs.
The sky is no longer the limit for two remarkable students from ʻEwa Makai Middle School.
Eighth graders Rinarose Palacpac and Rachel Kauihou are the 2026 National Champions after winning the inaugural National SkillsUSA Commercial Drone Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. Competing against the nation's best, they completed the same challenging commercial drone missions required of high school and college competitors—and came home with the gold.
The victory adds another chapter to the school's growing legacy of excellence. Led by Coaches Keao Cockett and Valerie Oka, the ʻEwa Makai Middle School Aviation Pathways Program previously captured the 2024 National Middle School Aerial Drone Competition Championship and has quickly become one of the nation's premier middle school drone programs.
Rinarose served as pilot while Rachel took on visual observer and mapping duties, combining their skills to bring home the national title. Photo: Hawaii Public Radio / Catherine Cruz
Founded in 2021, the Aviation Pathways Program is Hawaiʻi's first public middle school dedicated to commercial drone education. Students gain hands-on experience in aviation, search and rescue, aerial mapping, engineering, inspections, cinematography, and other emerging technologies while preparing for careers in one of the nation's fastest-growing industries.
Rinarose served as the team's pilot while Rachel excelled as visual observer and mapping specialist. Their teamwork, technical skill, and determination first earned them the Hawaiʻi SkillsUSA Commercial sUAS Championship before propelling them to the national title.
Congratulations to Rinarose, Rachel, Coaches Keao Cockett and Valerie Oka, and the entire ʻEwa Makai Middle School Aviation Pathways Program for continuing to inspire Hawaiʻi's next generation of innovators and bringing national recognition to our community.
Founded in 2021, the Aviation Pathways Program is Hawaiʻi's first public middle school dedicated to commercial drone education. Students gain hands-on experience in aviation, search and rescue, aerial mapping, engineering, inspections, cinematography, and other emerging technologies while preparing for careers in one of the nation's fastest-growing industries.
Rinarose served as the team's pilot while Rachel excelled as visual observer and mapping specialist. Their teamwork, technical skill, and determination first earned them the Hawaiʻi SkillsUSA Commercial sUAS Championship before propelling them to the national title.
Congratulations to Rinarose, Rachel, Coaches Keao Cockett and Valerie Oka, and the entire ʻEwa Makai Middle School Aviation Pathways Program for continuing to inspire Hawaiʻi's next generation of innovators and bringing national recognition to our community.
ʻEwa Makai’s Aviation Pathways Program gives students hands-on experience in drone technology, aviation, mapping, engineering, and more. Photo: Hawaii Public Radio / Catherine Cruz
Cover Photo:
The duo celebrate their first-place finish at the National SkillsUSA Commercial Drone Competition in Atlanta. Photo: Hawaii Public Radio / Catherine Cruz
Cover Photo:
The duo celebrate their first-place finish at the National SkillsUSA Commercial Drone Competition in Atlanta. Photo: Hawaii Public Radio / Catherine Cruz
Category Tag:
Share this story
Subscribe to the District 9 mailing list
Receive mid-month and end of month updates, sent directly to your email!
