ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — The Maryland Wing’s St. Mary’s Composite Squadron and the Esperanza Middle School Flight have claimed a national title, winning first place in the Beginners division of the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ UAS4STEM drone competition on July 23.
The victory came at the national finals during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, where the St. Mary’s team earned a $1,250 prize. It marks a steady climb for the squadron, which competed in the Beginners division in 2023 and advanced to the Advanced division in 2024 before returning to dominate the Beginners field this year.
Representing the St. Mary’s Composite Squadron were:
- Cadet 1st Lt. Jakob Deboer
- Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Compton
- Cadet Master Sgt. Rachel Rioux
- Cadet Airman 1st Class Jackie Barrett
- Cadet Airman Eli Barrett (team captain)
From the Esperanza Middle School Flight:
- Cadet Capt. Cody White
- Cadet Tech. Sgt. Mya Lockhart
UAS4STEM — the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ Unmanned Aerial Systems for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math program — challenges teams to design and build a quadcopter unmanned aircraft system, program it for flight and complete mission-based tasks.
Alongside the team’s achievement, Cadet Master Sgt. Rachel Rioux of the St. Mary’s squadron received the Dewey O. Broberg Jr. Scholarship, awarded by competition judges to recognize outstanding dedication, determination and adherence to the event’s rules and purpose.
Back-to-School Open House
The St. Mary’s Composite Squadron will host an open house on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Walter F. Duke Terminal Building at St. Mary’s Airport. Timed with the start of the 2025-26 school year, the event is open to students in sixth grade or older and their families. Parents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the Cadet Program and Senior Member Program.
Information tables will feature Civil Air Patrol’s cadet leadership training, senior member opportunities, search and rescue operations, STEM activities and aerospace education — with possible simulator demonstrations. The event also welcomes aspiring aviators, adults who can serve as aerospace mentors and pilots looking to volunteer their skills.
Civil Air Patrol’s Maryland Wing is divided into five regional groups, each overseeing local squadrons. Group 3 serves Southern Maryland and includes the Calvert, Charles, College Park, Esperanza Middle School and St. Mary’s squadrons — making it the hub for cadet and senior member activities in the region. These units regularly collaborate on training exercises, community events and emergency response missions.
About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered public service organization that serves as both a nonprofit and the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. CAP offers K-12 aerospace and STEM education programs, youth leadership and career development opportunities, and vital community service in the air and on the ground.
As the Air Force auxiliary, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft and conducts 90% of U.S. inland search and rescue missions. There are 52 wings in Civil Air Patrol — one for each state, plus the Washington, D.C., area, and Puerto Rico (including the U.S. Virgin Islands). Squadrons are located in communities nationwide and on U.S. military bases overseas. CAP has three types of squadrons: cadet squadrons for youth ages 12 to 18, senior squadrons for adults 18 and older, and composite squadrons that include both youth and adults.
Learn more at www.cap.news.
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