Two Daviess County Public Schools principals have been selected to ride along with the Blue Angels after being selected as “key influencers” in our community. The Blue Angels is the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, featuring world-class aviators from the Navy and Marine Corps. They are in Daviess County as the spotlight performers at the Owensboro Air Show this weekend.
Leslie Peveler, principal at Highland Elementary School, and Tricia Murphy, principal at Whitesville Elementary School, will arrive at Mid America Jet, located at 1 Bullfrog Blvd., at 9:05 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, and will undergo a safety briefing with the Blue Angels’ crew chief at 9:25 a.m. There will be a total of three riders participating in this event with departures scheduled at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The principals admitted they are a little nervous about this adventure, but also very excited about the opportunity to demonstrate courage and positive attitudes. Among the criteria for selection was being a person who “helps to shape attitudes and opinions of youth in their communities.” As leaders of their respective schools, Peveler and Murphy certainly qualify!
Peveler said it is a great honor to have been chosen, along with her colleague Tricia Murphy. “It is a great opportunity for us to show the character traits we try to teach every day: Courage, leadership, perseverance and a pursuit of your very best,” Peveler said. “I can’t wait to tell my kids my story! The Blue Angels exhibit qualities I want my students, staff and Highland community to strive for: Honor, dedication and service. I can’t wait to meet them in this capacity; they are great, true models to follow. Bring on the flight suit and security briefing!”
“The message I want to send others every day is that anything is possible with big dreams!” Murphy said. “My goal is to always encourage students and staff to persevere through challenges and work hard to be great leaders. This experience just may be one of the greatest productive struggles in all of my career; I’m really having to step outside of my comfort zone for this one! However, Whitesville Elementary School’s theme this year is ‘The Sky’s the Limit,’ so I guess it doesn’t get any bigger than a real-life ride with the Blues in a fighter jet!”