Famed Blue Angels Visit ISD High Schools

Members of the famed Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron ‘touched down’ in the Independence School District August 21. Their ‘mission’- encourage ISD high school students to follow their dreams by pursuing their education.

Speaking to juniors and seniors at William Chrisman, U.S. Navy Lt. Andy Talbott, #3 Left Wing, said achieving individual dreams is a matter of hard work and perseverance and if he could do it, anyone can.

“A lot of students don’t realize the opportunities out there,” he said. “If you set your goals high, you can achieve them, no matter who you are.”

Talbott, a native of Sedan, Kan., is in his first year with the elite flyers and said he’d been looking forward to the Kansas City Aviation Expo all season. He loves to fly, but said coming to schools like William Chrisman is the best part of being a member of the Blue Angels.

“It’s great to represent the team and the legacy of the Blue Angels and inspire students to pursue that culture of excellence we all aspire to reach,” he said.

Following the presentation, Talbott presented William Chrisman Principal Mike Becker and ISD Superintendent Dr. Dale Herl with a photograph of the Blue Angels in flight, autographed by the entire team. Similar presentations took place at Truman and Van Horn High School.

Formed in 1946 and based in Pensacola, Fla., the Blue Angels aviators are from the U.S. Navy and Marines. The precision flying team features six pilots and performs in front of more than 15 million spectators each year.

To hear more from Lt. Talbott, click here.