College Community Schools is once again catching up with Prairie alumni as part of its “Where Are They Now?” series. Today we are featuring 2012 Prairie graduate Conor Mittauer. Conor is an Aircraft Commander, flying the P-8 Poseidon patrol jet for the US Navy.
Name: Conor Mittauer
Graduation Year: 2012
Job Title: Aircraft Commander
Organization/Company Name: US Navy
Location of Employment: Corpus Christi, TX
Job Responsibilities: I’m an Aircraft Commander, flying the P-8 Poseidon patrol jet for the US Navy. Our mission is to locate and track enemy submarines across the globe. We also specialize in Reconnaissance and Special Operations support. I’ve been deployed twice and the Navy has taken me all over the world; from Iceland to Djibouti, Bahrain, and Spain to name a few!
Describe your journey since graduating from Prairie High School, including any significant career milestones or educational achievements. How did your experience at Prairie prepare you for your current endeavors?
I graduated Prairie High School in 2012 and decided to study Psychology at the University of Iowa. I initially wanted to become a Clinical Psychologist; but ended up chasing my childhood dream of being a Navy Pilot. I graduated from Iowa in December of 2016 and went to Officer Candidate School in January of 2017. After commissioning as an Ensign, I started flight training in Pensacola Florida and eventually earned my wings in Corpus Christi TX in July 2019. I was selected to fly the P-8 out of Whidbey Island, Washington and I loved it! I’ve been a member of two Combat Aircrews and deployed to places I’d never thought I’d go.
Prairie High gave me the opportunity to explore my passions and develop solid study habits. I learned early on that no one cares more about your future, and your goals than yourself. I credit Prairie to giving me a great foundation to build on at college and beyond!
What are some of your favorite memories from your time at Prairie? Did you participate in any extracurricular activities or clubs? How did they impact your experience? What staff member or class had the biggest impact on you and why?
I came to Prairie from Connecticut at the start of my Freshman year. I knew no one; but Prairie was an incredibly welcoming and awesome community. I learned the meaning of Midwest nice! Some of my favorite memories were running track coached by Bill Schwarz and Biology class dissecting frogs with Mr. Thede. Every teacher had a passion for education and made you excited to come to class. I credit them for the study habits and motivation to learn I utilized later in college and flight school!
What advice would you offer to today’s high school graduates as they embark on their own paths beyond high school?
I remember my parents and teachers telling me during my time at Prairie High; but there are so many incredible opportunities that your life will offer. Be a YES man as much as you can; you never know when a cool opportunity, trip, or a class will change your life. Don’t be afraid to fail while chasing your dreams. You’ll never regret putting yourself in the arena but you WILL regret not even trying. Finally, cherish your parents while you have them near you. They will always be your biggest cheerleaders in life and when you lose one it’ll remind you that life is so fragile. Nothing is more important than the ones you love and more importantly, the ones that love you. Congrats Class of 2024! Go Hawks!
