VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A local principal received a once-in-a-lifetime ride from the Blue Angels Wednesday as a way to say thank you for inspiring the next generation. 

Jey Lewter is the principal at Hickory Elementary School in Chesapeake. Before the Oceana airshow, he climbed into the famous Blue Angels jet and got to experience what it’s like to fly in a high performance fighter jet. 

Lewter experienced loops, rolls and high G turns — a unique experience he can share with his students.

Students from Hickory Elementary will get a chance to see the Blue Angels first hand Friday when all 5th graders from Chesapeake and Virginia Beach public schools will attend the airshow. The annual STEM education day includes special STEM exhibits and a chance to see Navy aircraft up close.