Sept. 14, members of the Blue Angels naval aviation team visited Lisbon High School in what was the first of many Academic Aspiration assemblies of the 2007-2008 school year. These assemblies, held in the Lisbon High School gymnasium, are meant to inspire students to reach their full potential by listening to others who are successful in their own lives. Mr. Galway, assistant principal, shared his own words of wisdom before the assembly began. “Work hard, dream big and never quit,” he told the student body. Major Clint Harris, a member of the U.S. Marine Corp for almost 11 years, was among those who presented at the assembly. The Major is the left wingman for the United States 2007 Blue Angels.

The Blue Angels are based in Pensacola, Florida, and were founded in 1946. They spend hundreds of hours preparing for shows. They perform 70 shows in 35 cities in an eight-month show season. Each member of the team plays an equally crucial role. The team consists of 16 officers and nearly 100 men and women who are part of the support and maintenance team. The flight demonstrators play a “precise role in a dramatic aerial ballet.” Millions of spectators gather to see the Angels each season. The planes flown by these elite men and woman are current models of the F A 18 Hornet, planes which are powerful, lightweight, have incredible acceleration and are important not only in the air shows, but also in combat.

Before the floor was opened for questions, Major Clint Harris shared information with the students about his own high school experience. He told us that he graduated in a small high school in Missouri, and that even with his disinterest in school, and especially test taking, he still graduated and was able to follow his dream of flying airplanes. He knew from a young age that this was something he wanted to accomplish in his life, ever since his dad took him, at age seven, on a airplane ride. He attended Arkansas State University where he pursued an engineering degree and even after some few, self-described diversions, he realized one thing, which is: “tests are part of life, and you don’t graduate life.” He left the Lisbon High School students with one very important message, “goals give you something to work for,” and though you may not always like it, you must always push through the obstacles in your path, and prevail to the life that is set before you.

Barbara Grinder, Lorraine Bard and Margaret Frankenberger of the Administrative Offices at Lisbon High School were also able to attend the student assembly of the Blue Angels thanks to the assistance of Lisbon Volunteer Peggi Bineau. Mrs. Grinder, Mrs. Bard and Mrs. Frankenberger were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit with Major Clint Harris during his visit to Lisbon High School.