With her name printed on the side of Thunderbird Jet #8, Manchester Regional Day School’s Teacher of the Year Ellie Hyland took flight today out of Joint Base-MDL as the USAF Thunderbird Team's Hometown Hero!
Miss Ellie, as her students know her, is a special education teacher to students ages 14-19 at Manchester's Regional Day School. She was nominated by her colleagues as the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year for her exceptional work as a teacher and coworker.
When the United States Air Force Thunderbirds reached out to our partners at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, inquiring if there were any Teachers of the Year (TOY) interested in being considered for a flight opportunity. A few of Manchester's 2024-25 TOY expressed interest, joining the hundreds of applicants from the tri-state area, hoping to be chosen. We are proud to share that Regional Day School’s Teacher of the Year, Ellie Hyland, was selected and not only went up in flight today, but flew the fighterjet, and hit 9G speed making her one of the fastest people in the world!
(Ellie during hours of pre-flight training with her pilot Major Brandon “Crime” Maxson, Advanced Pilot/Narrator, USAF Thunderbirds)
"Ellie’s selection speaks to her courage, dedication, and the inspiring presence that she brings to our school community," says Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Diane Pedroza. "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."
Miss Ellie's philosophy of teaching aligns with the Manchester Regional Day School's values of treating each student as an individual with limitless possibilities. This can be shown every 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 opportunity to go up with the Thunderbirds today showcases to my students by direct example that opportunities and experiences are not limited to anyone," says Manchester's Regional Day School Teacher of the Year, Ellie Hyland. "This same lesson is woven into my classroom philosophy for all of my students every single day."
The team at Joint Base-MDL and the USAF Thunderbirds warmly welcomed Ellie's family, friends, Principal Michallis, and Superintendent Pedroza to put on safety headphones and cheer Ellie on from the runway as she took off flight! Students from Manchester Township High School, Manchester Township Middle School, and Lakehurst School were on the other side of the base, experiencing the Power in the Pines Air Show, when Miss Ellie flew by them a few times, waving from the Thunderbird fighter jet!
The Manchester Township School District is unique as it directly neighbors the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB-MDL). Our continued partnership with the JB-MDL has provided such wonderful opportunities for soldiers, students, and staff alike.
The selection of having Miss Ellie fly with the USAF Thunderbirds 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 Manchester Township School District. The flight with the Thunderbirds further solidifies that the partnership between the military and the Manchester Township School District provides limitless opportunities for students, students who aspire to pursue their goals within the military, teachers like Miss Eliie, and all of the soldiers and families, the school district, and our community as a whole. Today Miss Ellie lived out a once in a lifetimes experience and we are so proud of her!
