VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — We are flying high here at the oceanfront in Virginia Beach! I’m hanging out with a group of Seatack fifth graders who are learning the skills to soar through school — and life.
“I was so scared that my stomach was hurting, and I thought I had eaten too fast,” said student Jeremiah Vital.
These Seatack fifth graders are getting the thrill of a lifetime.
This is a 13-week after-school program called Seatack Soars at iFly at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.
“The foundation of the program is to teach these kids pride and confidence, and hopefully inspire them in some way to do things they wouldn’t normally do,” said iFly CEO Bob Pizzini, who launched the program in 2018 in partnership with Seatack’s Achievable Dream Academy.
Jason Lavarius is the general manager, a former Navy SEAL and iFly instructor.
“So Jason is our STEM educator,” said Pizzini. “He’s also their primary coach in the wind. He introduces different elements of STEM — physics, flight, and the characteristics of a wind tunnel — in a way that’s appropriate for fifth graders.”
The 26-year Navy special operations veteran offers the program to 12 students each semester at no cost. Each Thursday after school, the students are treated to a guest speaker, pizza, and, of course, the chance to fly.
“If you’re going to be in this club, make sure you’re not afraid of heights,” student Travell Keys said.
I’m not afraid of heights, but the thought of jumping into a wind tunnel with speeds over 100 mph terrified me.
As I approached the chamber, I thought about the courage these fifth graders must have to jump into this fast-moving, loud cylinder with hurricane-force winds rushing at you.
It was scary, fun, and like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
And the students agree.
“When I did high fly — where you go really high — that’s one of the scariest things I’ve ever done,” said Keys.
Overcoming fears and soaring to new heights — an opportunity made possible by Bob Pizzini and the staff at iFly. They are high-flying community heroes and Positively Hampton Roads.
