Photo By Tech. Sgt. Rachel Horjus | Megan Justice, Indianapolis Teacher of the Year, poses in front of a U.S. Air Force...... read more read more
For Megan Justice, a math teacher at George Washington High School in Indianapolis, a day with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds became more than a once-in-a-lifetime flight. It became a lesson in trust, teamwork and inspiration she hopes to carry back to her students.
Justice, the 2026 Indianapolis Public Schools Secondary School Teacher of the Year, was selected as the Thunderbirds Hometown Hero for the Grissom Air and Space Expo. According to Staff Sgt. Sebastian Romawac, the Thunderbirds public affairs representative, the program serves two purposes: honoring the selected Hometown Hero and giving that individual the opportunity to learn the Thunderbirds mission so they can advocate for it.
As part of that experience, Justice spent the day behind the scenes with the team before flying with Maj. Samuel Lawson, Thunderbird 8/Advance Pilot/Narrator.
After seeing the team up close, Justice said her impression of the Thunderbirds was shaped not only by their skill, but by the professionalism and care they showed throughout the day.
“The Thunderbirds consist of a team of people who are genuinely kind, dedicated, and talented,” Justice said. “Their professionalism was prevalent throughout the entire day that I spent with them. I felt extremely supported through each briefing, fitting, and ride! It was amazing to see how much detail goes into their work.”
That support left a lasting mark on Justice, especially after hearing one phrase repeated throughout the day: “blind trust.”
“I noticed the Thunderbirds using the saying ‘blind trust’ throughout the day and it really resonated with me,” Justice said. “As crazy as it was, I didn’t feel scared for my flight. Now that I’ve had time to reflect, I believe it was because I had ‘blind trust’ in the Thunderbirds and the rest of the team. I think everyone can apply this into aspects of their lives. Trusting in your team, your people, or your circle is a crucial component on a path towards success!”
“I hope that I show my students that anything is possible if you believe in yourself!” she said.
Justice said a ninth grade math teacher inspired her path into education. “I had a ninth grade math teacher that made me and my peers feel important, capable, and supported every day,” she said. “She inspired me to make others feel the same way in my own classroom.”
When asked what keeps her motivated, Justice pointed to her students. “Without a doubt, my students. Watching them grow and learn every day and every school year brings me so much joy!” she said. Being named the Thunderbirds Hometown Hero, she said, was especially meaningful because it recognized the work she loves most.
“I got here by being an impactful educator,” Justice said. “It means the world to know that the profession I love so much brought me this once in a lifetime opportunity. I would not be the teacher that I am without all my past, present, and future students. I also have an amazing school community in the Indianapolis Public School system where I am a part of an amazingly wonderful team at George Washington High School. Lastly, I’m incredibly thankful for my parents, fiancé, family, and friends who cheered me on every step of the way for this flight and through life!”
For Justice, the day at Grissom was not only about the thrill of flight, but about seeing excellence up close and bringing those lessons back to the classroom. In the end, the experience reflected the same values she works to instill in her students every day: confidence, trust and the belief that anything is possible.
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2026 14:38 |
| Story ID: | 573695 |
| Location: | GRISSOM AIR FORCE BASE, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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