IPS Teacher of the Year Megan Justice Takes Flight

For Megan Justice, the math classroom at George Washington High School is where she spends most of her days helping students reach new heights. On Friday, Aug. 28, she’ll experience a very different kind of flight.

Justice, the 2026 Indianapolis Public Schools Secondary School Teacher of the Year, has been invited by Grissom Air Reserve Base to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience: riding in the backseat of an F-16 Thunderbird jett during the 2026 Grissom Air & Space Expo as part of the Hometown Hero Program.

“When I first received the email, I simply couldn’t believe it was real!” Justice said. “I felt immediate excitement to be able to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

There is a little nervousness, too.

“I thought about what it would be like to be in the backseat of an F-16 Jet,” she said. “However, the eagerness and excitement heavily outweigh that fear.”

Justice said she couldn't pass up the opportunity and she is especially grateful that being recognized as an IPS Teacher of the Year made the experience possible.

“I have no doubt that it will be a memory I will never forget,” she said.

The experience comes as Grissom prepares to welcome the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds back to north-central Indiana for the first Grissom Air & Space Expo since 2019.

The public celebration begins Friday, Aug. 28, with the Thunderbirds Arrival Block Party at the Grissom Air Museum, followed by the full air and space expo Aug. 29-30 featuring aerial performances, aircraft displays, STEM activities and historic aircraft.

For Justice, though, the weekend will offer something few teachers ever experience — a chance to leave the classroom and take learning to new heights.

 

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