25th Annual Banquet to Honor Pilots With Accolades and Fellowship
A special evening in the history of the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame (DAHF) was held on Saturday, November 15th, at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover, Delaware. The center of attraction—five of the First State’s most distinguished people of aviation, plus a Youth Aviation Achievement Award winner— were honored with decorations and ovations, all within the Event Center with its colorful table decor, tastefully prepared dinner, and helpful serving staff.
Hangar Flyin’ and Cocktails
The evening started off with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvre reception in the main hall of the Center.
The venue offered an opportunity for aviation people to meet and catch up on “what’s new” and to greet the honorees.
Photos, reproduction prints and other displays were exhibited around the Center. A continuous video gallery of DAHF inductees and aviation aircraft was projected on big screens in the hall. Plus, memorabilia was on display at each of the 2025 Inductees' tables.
Ceremony
Master of Ceremonies' Molly Chorman officiated the ceremony by calling on the bagpiper to lead the procession of inductees and their wingmen into the hall. The Delaware Air National Guard Cadet Squadron Color Guard opened the ceremony with the posting of the colors, followed by the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner".
Presentation of Inductees:
To commence the ceremonies, the 2025 Youth Aviation Achievement winner Peyton McNamara was introduced and presented his certificate. Then the 2025 honorees and their “wingmen" were called individually, in alphabetical order, to the platform. (Following their selection, each inductee was assigned a member of the DAHF board to serve as his/her liaison. Fittingly, they dubbed themselves “wingmen"). At the conclusion of each of their introductions, President LeSans Alexander presented each inductee with a plaque and ribboned medallion in honor of their induction to the Hall of Fame.
A basket raffle was held with a variety of specially designed baskets and prizes awarded to the winners.
The Program
Following dinner, President LeSans Alexander welcomed everyone and handed the program over to MC Molly Chorman.
The 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees are:
Mark Stephenson, Frank Smith, Polly Steenhagen, Amy Campbell, Daniel Piraino
