Soaring Inspiration: MGGS Alumni Sgt Kelly Fitzpatrick Lands Chinook on School Grounds, Inspiring the Next Generation!
MGGS were thrilled when one of our alumni, Sgt Kelly Fitzpatrick, a Crewman from, 27 Squadron, at Royal Air Force Odiham got in touch to see if we would like a visit from her in a Chinook helicopter on Tuesday 10th December! The Chinook, with its all-female crew from 27 Squadron, #RAFOdiham, home of the Chinook force, have all been in the Royal Air Force for a number of years and have seen various deployments around the world. They were also accompanied by a small engineering contingent which were also female, again from 27 Squadron.
As they flew across Maidstone to MGGS land on MGGS’ field, Miss Stanley, Headteacher along with 3 Key Stage 3 classes awaited down on the field for Stg Fitzpatrick’s arrival in the #Chinook and to welcome her back to her school. We had been warned that there could be a lot of downwash, known to blow things out of people’s hands and that shutting down the Chinook would take 10 minutes! Everyone waited patiently, despite the cold and the rain, for the Chinook to shut down and the crew gave the thumbs up for students to take a closer look.
Stg Fitzpatrick and her crew spoke to several of our students including those interested in the Air Force and similar careers together with our Further Mathematicians inspiring the next generation. Students were also given the opportunity to go inside the Chinook and see how large an aircraft it was.
A further 2 classes also walked down to the field to view the Chinook and bid our visitors a safe flight as they prepared to fly off, of course watching out of the wind and downwash!
Sgt Kelly Fitzpatrick said, “It was an absolute privilege to be able to give something back to my old school.”
Miss Stanley, Headteacher of MGGS, commented, “It was an absolute privilege to welcome Sgt Kelly Fitzpatrick back to MGGS in such a remarkable and memorable way. Having one of our alumni return, especially in such a unique role with the Royal Air Force, serves as a powerful inspiration to our students. Kelly’s achievements remind us all that with determination and ambition, extraordinary things are possible. The visit not only showcased the diverse career opportunities available to women but also highlighted the importance of resilience, teamwork, and pursuing one’s dreams. We are incredibly proud of Kelly and grateful for her willingness to share her journey and inspire the next generation of MGGS students.”
See our slideshow including even more pictures here
View the amazing landing video footage here and our students’ excitement as the chinook took off here
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