Duke Wallin has dedicated over 26 years to education, specializing in career exploration, planning, and Career and Technical Education (CTE).

Since joining First Flight High School in January 2021, Duke has taken pride in helping students explore fulfilling career paths and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce.

“Our school’s namesake, First Flight, and our location directly across from the Wright Brothers Memorial—site of the first powered flight—gave us the opportunity to start an aviation program at the school,” he shared.

“Students are currently building an RV-12 aircraft and will have the chance to fly in it at the end of the year. The National Park Service, Chamber of Commerce, and the wider community have supported our efforts by providing mentorship, program resources, and a shared enthusiasm—not only for aviation, but also for our other CTE programs, which include Culinary Arts, Carpentry, Adobe Graphic Design, Computer Science, Health Science, Business and Marketing, and Work-Based Learning.”

“NTHS helps identify students who have committed to a career pathway and offers a sense of fellowship among students who are focused on setting goals and achieving success. It has given many of our students well-deserved recognition for their hard work, both in school and in their extracurricular pursuits.”

When he’s not shaping the futures of his students, Duke enjoys engaging with the Outer Banks community, celebrating the region’s rich history, and mentoring students as they navigate their academic and career journeys. He is also a proud pet parent to Abby, a brown American tabby, and boasts a collection of over 400 pairs of fancy socks.

Thank you, Duke, for all that you do for your students and your community!