Kindness Takes Flight

“Even a small act of kindness here and there can give somebody motivation to keep going. I just generally enjoy doing good things for people.”

Whether it’s baking cookies and other sweet treats for classmates or giving his time and resources to support others, William McNeely believes small acts of kindness can make a real difference. 

This holiday season, McNeely has sought out ways to support his peers at Francis Tuttle Technology Center. His generosity has included multiple donations to the on-campus food closet, participation in the Adopt-A-Family program, and contributions to a blanket drive organized by the Teacher Preparation program. 

McNeely and his classmates in the Aviation program also took part in Money Wars, which raised a record $4,482.13 this year in support of Adopt-A-Family.

At the beginning of the semester, McNeely baked a batch of peanut butter cookies because he wanted to do something nice for his class. Since then, he’s kept making cookies, cakes, muffins, and other treats to share. 

“Life can be hard sometimes, and I don't want to make it any harder for anybody,” McNeely shared. “Even a small act of kindness here and there can give somebody motivation to keep going. I just generally enjoy doing good things for people.”

McNeely first attended Francis Tuttle’s Service Careers Grounds Keeping and Automotive Maintenance program, earning a certification for Honda engines repair. He completed that program and also graduated from Edmond North High School in May 2025.

This year, he enrolled in the new Aviation program, which provides training to high school and adult students in sheet metal fabrication and repair, composites fabrication and repair, and drone piloting. This program complements Francis Tuttle’s other Aerospace Technologies offerings, which have been available to adult students for several years. 

There are “so many opportunities” in aviation, and McNeely is hoping to work in manufacturing, fabrication, or maintenance. Having family members who work in aviation influenced McNeely’s decision to pursue a career in the industry as well. 

“They did their full A&P certification, which stands for airframe and powerplant and is basically a repair certification for aircraft,” McNeely explained. “I thought I’d follow in their footsteps and try to get the same thing someday.” 

McNeely, who credits his parents for instilling the importance of giving back from a young age, hopes to encourage others to help those in need when they can. 

“I just hope to motivate people to also do the same,” McNeely said. “I’m still finding good ways to do more.”