SANFORD, Fla. – Seminole County Schools’ 2024 Teacher of the Year was invited to fly with the Blue Angels ahead of the Orlando Air Show this weekend.
Janan Hodges suited up for the flight of her life on Wednesday. Hodges was recently named Seminole County Schools’ 2024 Teacher of the Year and was selected to fly with the Blue Angels for an honor flight.
Hodges works at Bear Lake Elementary as the Math and Science Instructional Coach, but prior to that, she was a third-grade teacher at Spring Lake Elementary.
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“I definitely don’t want to fly any other way except with the Blue Angels in the future,” Hodges said.
But Hodges has a more personal connection to the flight.
“My dad passed away two years ago, but he had been in the Air Force and he loved planes,” Hodges said. “So I flew and had some of his wings and then I had the little placard from his funeral. And then my mom and my husband were able to get his jacket from when he was in the military, and it actually rode in the cockpit with me. It’s been a really amazing and emotional day.”
Family and coworkers were all there to support Hodges.
“We were all well-wishing her before she left,” said Amy Barone, Bear Lake Elementary Principal. “I had texted her and said, you know, you’re in great hands. You know, trust the process. This is going to be a great experience for you.”
Director of Public Relations for the Orlando Air Show Chris Dirato said it’s hard to describe the air show. You just have to experience it.
“You come out and bring the kids out and show your kids who are protecting our freedom,” Dirato said. “I mean, I think that’s a very important component to air shows.”
If you’re interested in purchasing tickets to this weekend’s air show, click here.
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