AviNation American Dream Tour Stops at High School North

Nathan Maki, a pilot for United Airlines with a variety of experience in the air, points to an aviation map during his first small-group meeting with students.

Career dreams take flight

Dec. 3, 2025- The AviNation American Dream Tour brings aviation and aerospace professionals and industry leaders right to students in order to educate and network. The tour made a stop in Toms River early this morning, with interested students and staff members from all three high schools convening at RWJBarnabas Health Arena to take advantage of the career-focused opportunity.

Air traffic controllers, mechanics, meteorologists, technicians, and pilots of all kinds of aircraft — from commercial planes to drones — met with interested high schoolers to share stories about their career journeys and the skills they've acquired along the way.

Aerospace is serious business, but doesn't always have to be so serious. High School North graduate and pilot Jeffrey Daniel jokes with some current Mariners.

The event was put together through a collaboration between AviNation's Tom Flavin and High School North and High School South teacher Christine Girtain. Flavin began the morning assembly by introducing the aviation leaders in attendance — many who are local to the region and Ocean County, including a HSN graduate, pilot Jeffrey Daniel — before students split off into groups for personal conversations with representatives and their affiliated agencies.

Doug Byrd, far left, is a pilot, aeronautics instructor, and musician — among other talents — who welcomed guests into the arena this morning by playing his guitar. Following the kickoff assembly, he met with students to answer questions and discuss more about his career and life journey.

Later in the morning, the New Jersey State Police paid the tour a visit … via helicopter, of course.

Whether it was learning more about drones from the Ocean County Sheriff's Office, medical-based aviation like that offered by Angel Flight East, or pathways to the air via branches of the military, there were ample opportunities for students to connect with industry pros, and channel the event's inspiration into something that will help their dreams, well ... take flight.

Additional photos below.