Central High Senior Parker Evans Selected For Tuskegee University’s Aviation Science Program

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Central High School senior Parker Evans was honored Monday after being selected for the fall 2026 class of Tuskegee University’s Aviation Science Program.

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Evans is among 30 students nationwide chosen from more than 400 applicants for the program, which was recently relaunched and continues Tuskegee University’s role in training African-American aviators.

A signing ceremony was held in the Central High School auditorium, gathering school officials, elected leaders and representatives from Tuskegee University to celebrate the occasion.

“I feel really honored, and it’s also a very humbling experience,” Evans said. “Being able to train at Moton Field, where the Tuskegee Airmen are from, that’s going to be a very honoring experience. I was chosen out of more than 400 people, so knowing how competitive this is — it’s a lot. But I really feel honored.”

Tuscaloosa City Schools pointed out that Tuskegee University is the only historically Black college or university in Alabama that offers a bachelor’s degree in aviation science.

The university is also widely known as the training ground of the Tuskegee Airmen, the pioneering military aviators known as the “Red Tails,” who served with distinction during World War II.

Tuskegee University Associate Director of Recruitment Said Walker spoke about the institution’s 145-year legacy and the relaunch of its aviation science program.

“For over 145 years, Tuskegee has been committed to educating and developing leaders,” Walker said. “When legislation passed in 1939 to train Black Americans to fly, the nation looked to Tuskegee. The Tuskegee Airmen created a legacy of excellence that still stands today. We are proud to welcome a new generation to carry that legacy forward.”

Walker also announced that Evans not only earned admission into the aviation science program but also received a university achievement scholarship valued at approximately $50,000 over four years.

Evans said he has not yet decided whether he will pursue a civilian or military aviation career but remains focused on achieving his lifelong goal.

“My ultimate goal is just to fly,” he said. “Since I was a little kid, that’s all I can remember.”

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