7th Red Tail Ball
Top Gun
Celebrating the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first recipients of the Air Force 'Top Gun' prize, whose trailblazing spirit and excellence continue to inspire. Just as the Top Gun Military Program trains elite aviators to be the best of the best, Tuskegee NEXT aims to equip our young pilots with unparalleled skills and opportunities.
This year’s guests were able to immerse themselves in an evening at DuPage Airport to celebrate the legacy of the U.S. military's "Top Gun" Program! The evening was filled with luxury cars, airplanes, dinner, live music, and dancing, all while raising funds for aviation scholarships.
Celebrating the Cadets
The 2024 Tuskegee NEXT Summer Aviation cohort successfully completed an intensive program, where each participant earned both their Private Pilot License and Drone Operator License. Through dedication and rigorous training, these aspiring aviators have achieved significant milestones, continuing the legacy of excellence!
Award Recipients
Tuskegee NEXT Legacy Award
Calvin Butler
President and CEO, Exelon
Calvin Butler, President and CEO of Exelon Corporation, is awarded the inaugural Tuskegee Legacy Award for his exceptional leadership and community contributions.
Butler's dedication to uplifting communities exemplifies the values of the Tuskegee Airmen and inspires progress toward equality.
Tuskegee NEXT Trailblazer Award
Cassaundra Rouse
Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway
Cassaundra Rouse is awarded the Tuskegee NEXT Trailblazer Award as the first Black female Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway.
Her dedication to supporting underprivileged youth in engineering and STEM fields reflects her commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders.
Pay it Forward Award
Marcellus Freeman
Corporate Pilot and Tuskegee NEXT Alumni
Marcellus Freeman, a 2015 graduate of the inaugural program, will be honored with the Tuskegee NEXT Alumni Award.
Freeman continues to give back as an instructor in the summer aviation program, all while serving as a Corporate Pilot on a Hawker 900XP for Gary Jet Center.
