Blue Angels’ Rickoff visits Jacksonville Country Day School
On the eve of the 2022 NAS Jax Air Show, birthplace of the Blue Angels, Lieutenant Commander Cary Rickoff, a highly decorated lead solo pilot for the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, paid a visit to Jacksonville Country Day School (JCDS). Commander Rickoff read Tuesday Bluesday by Angel Stull-James to JCDS second-graders, and answered questions from students about what it is like to be a Blue Angel, and what an honor it is to serve in the U.S. Navy.
“I thought that the students would enjoy seeing him in his uniform, getting inspiration from someone who is so passionate about their career, and learning the importance of practice and dedication,” said Lindsey Upchurch, JCDS second-grade teacher.
Rickoff’s cousin, second-grader Alexa, described how she felt about the visit.
“I was really happy my friends got to meet him. Not a lot of people get to see a Blue Angel pilot who comes to their school. I felt very special,” she said.
Commander Rickoff also presented Pat Walker, Head of School, with a special edition of the Best Wishes Blue Angels Poster. Students got to take home similar posters to remember the morning.