MANCHESTER – A Regional Day School teacher who was recently named teacher of the year climbed to new heights thanks to the U.S. Air Force.
The school’s Teacher of the Year, Ellie Hyland, 23, was selected by the Air Force to fly with the Thunderbird air demonstration squadron as their honored guest during the Power of the Pines Open House and Air Show held at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Her adventure first took flight when the Thunderbirds reached out to JBMDL and inquired if there were any Teachers of the Year who might be interested in being considered for a flight opportunity. A few of Manchester’s top teachers wanted to fly high, joining the hundreds of applicants from the tri-state area in hopes of being chosen.
While a forecast of rain and hail threatened to postpone her flight on the morning of May 16, Hyland went up on schedule and had an incredible time with the USAF Thunderbirds. She flew 9G, making her the fastest woman in the world that morning.
School District Public Information Officer Dina Silvestri said Hyland’s class joined some 100 other students from local schools to watch her take off.
“She flew over us a few times and was up for well over an hour. They said she was the first to not get sick in a while, making it a longer experience and fun for the pilot and Ellie, alike. 9Gs is a lot on the body,” Silvestri said.
Regional Day School Teacher of the Year Ellie Hyland flew with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. (Photo courtesy Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst)
Hyland said, “the actual flight was amazing. I felt excited, exhilarated, and full of adrenaline during the whole flight! Everyone on the Thunderbird Team made me and my family feel so welcome and comfortable. I cannot thank everyone from the Thunderbird Team, the JBMDL, and the Manchester Township School District for granting me this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Hyland is a special education teacher to students between the ages of 14-19 at the Regional Day School and she said her philosophy of teaching aligns with the school’s values of treating each student as an individual with limitless possibilities.
“I look forward to taking this experience back to my classroom and sharing the excitement with my students who know that we should always shoot for the stars, and Miss Ellie did just that… in a fighter jet,” she added.
Hyland also said the experience showcased “to my students by direct example that opportunities and experiences are not limited to anyone. This same lesson is woven into my classroom philosophy for all of my students every single day.”
Superintendent Diane Pedroza expressed how proud she and the rest of the school district was that Hyland was chosen and had taken the flight.
“Ellie’s selection speaks to her courage, dedication, and the inspiring presence that she brings to our school community. This is not only a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but also a shining example of how Manchester’s educators continue to reach new heights, literally and figuratively,” Pedroza said.
Ellie Hyland was celebrated as Teacher of the Year at Regional Day School. (Photo courtesy Manchester Schools)
“Her Thunderbird flight reminds all of us to dream big, take bold steps, and embrace the incredible experiences life has to offer,” she said. “She demonstrates this each day in her classroom, where she strives to make sure her students’ school experience is meaningful and joyful. She works hard to instill life lessons into her students that they can take into the real world.”
The Manchester Township School District is unique as it directly neighbors JBMDL. “Our continued partnership with the JBMDL has provided such wonderful opportunities for soldiers, students, and staff alike and students who aspire to pursue their goals within the military. Teachers like Miss Ellie, and all of the soldiers and families, the school district, and our community as a whole,” Pedroza added.
Pedroza noted that Hyland’s flight reinforces and further reflects the positive impact of the collective, ongoing efforts built over the last few years that have resulted in a wonderful partnership between the military and the township school district.
The Regional Day School is operated by the Manchester Township School District but is located in Jackson Township at 890 Toms River Road and provides appropriate programs and services to children with special needs.
The post Ocean County Teacher Reaches New Heights With US Air Force appeared first on Jersey Shore Online.