U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to Fly
Seminole County Public Schools Teacher of the Year 
Wekiva Elementary School’s Julie Gabrovic
Chosen as 'Hometown Hero'

SANFORD, Fla. (October 25, 2022) – After being named the 2023 Seminole County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Wekiva Elementary School’s Julie Gabrovic has been selected to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as part of their “Hometown Hero” program that honors deserving local people, Orlando Air & Space Show officials announced today.

On Friday, October 28, at 11:30 a.m. (from Constant Aviation, Orlando Sanford International Airport, 100 Constant Ct., Sanford, Florida, 32773) Gabrovic will get to experience the ride of her life in the backseat of an F-16 with Thunderbird 8, Maj. Jacob Impellizzeri, as her pilot.

During her 45-minute flight, Gabrovic will experience the thrill of hitting up to nine G’s, along with the accompanying rolls, loops and turns of the best roller coaster ride imaginable.

“I could not be more thrilled,” said Gabrovic after being selected to fly. “I am extremely honored to have been given this opportunity.”

Gabrovic has been teaching and leading at Wekiva Elementary for the past 21 years, while establishing herself to be well invested in the school and the community. She has been singled out for her level of commitment to enhancing the school culture, enhancing classroom instruction, and connecting with students and their families. She has also created and maintained an atmosphere that is conducive for the educational environment by supporting all of those around her each day.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the 2022 Orlando Air & Space Show, scheduled for October 29-30 at Orlando Sanford International Airport. The show will also feature the F-18 Rhino Demo Team, F-22 Raptor Demo Team, SOCOM Para-Commandos Parachute Team, and aerobatic pilots Michael Goulian, Buck Roetman, and John Black.

For more information about the AirDotShow Live Tour and the Orlando Air & Space Show, please visit https://air.show and https://airandspaceshow.com/.