On Saturday May 18, John Ratcliff and the BPA hosted Statesboro's inaugural "Thrill of the First Flight" event. As kids were looking forward to getting in the air, the rain just wanted to stick around longer than it was welcome.
A total of 115 kids were signed up to take flying off their bucket list early, but due to the weather, only five of them got to go. Ratcliff decided to let the older kids go first, seniors down, because this will be their last opportunity to participate in the event.
While the rain tried to put a damper on everyone's spirits, the kids were treated to free hot dogs, chips and drinks. Not only that, but they were able to see a video on 17-year-old Kamora Freeland. Freeland recently got her pilot's license; and yes, this was before she got her high school diploma. This was shown to inspire the kids to run after their dream, even at a young age.
Along with that, a flight simulator was set up in the room, so that the kids could put their skills up to the test and see if they're ready to control a plane. On the outside, participants were able to walk about and see one of the planes.
Ratcliff also tried lifting people's spirits by telling jokes to the crowd, while the rain just kept coming. Hoping to recover from the weather, Ratcliff and others are planning to reschedule the event for June 15.
Kids who signed up for this event will have the opportunity to come back on that day to get some air time, but if there are spots open closer to time, they will be open to the public.