Ellie Hyland is set to fly with the Thunderbirds, who are coming to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for the Power in the Pines air show.
Updated Thu, May 15, 2025 at 11:56 am ET
MANCHESTER, NJ — A Manchester Township teacher is set to put on a flight suit and soar into the skies on Friday, after she was chosen to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Ellie Hyland, a special education teacher at Manchester's Regional Day School, was chosen as a Hometown Hero by the Thunderbirds from among hundreds of applicants in the tri-state area for the flight, Manchester Township Schools officials said.
The Thunderbirds, which were arriving at the base Thursday afternoon, are scheduled to perform Saturday and Sunday during the Power in the Pines Open House and Air Show at the base.
Hyland, the Regional Day School Teacher of the Year, works with special needs students who are 14 to 19 years old, teaching them life lessons and skills they can take into the real world, treating her students as individuals with limitless possibilities.the district said.
"The opportunity to go up with the Thunderbirds will showcase to my students by direct example that opportunities and experiences are not limited to anyone," Hyland said. "This same lesson is woven into my classroom philosophy for all of my students every single day."
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Hyland has siblings who work at the Joint Base as engineers, and she is part of a multi-generational family of educators.
"Her story is one of service, dedication, and inspiration," said Rochelle Naus, deputy chief of public affairs for the Joint Base. "Through her work with students with special needs, and her deep personal ties to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Ms. Hyland exemplifies what it means to lift others up — on the ground and now, in the air."
The Manchester Township School District, which borders the Joint Base, has close ties with the base. Students of some military personnel attend the district's schools, and there is a joint partnership and support for a large and active JROTC program. Earlier this year, the Joint Base "adopted" Manchester Township Elementary School as part of the U.S. Navy's "Adopt A School" program, and soldiers serve as "Reading Buddies" at the school. Read more: Manchester School 'Adopted' By Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
"Ms. Hyland’s selection is more than symbolic — it’s a reflection of the incredible partnerships between our military and local school communities," Naus said.
Hyland's flight is scheduled for Friday morning, weather permitting, officials said.
"Ellie’s selection speaks to her courage, dedication, and the inspiring presence that she brings to our school community," said Diane Pedroza, Manchester Township superintendent. "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"
"Her Thunderbird flight reminds all of us to dream big, take bold steps, and embrace the incredible experiences life has to offer," Pedroza said.