One Ocean County educator got an unforgettable early preview of this weekend's "Power in the Pines" Air Show at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Ellie Hyland, a special education teacher at Regional Day School in Manchester Township, was selected for a once of a lifetime experience. She flew in the backseat of a Thunderbird F-16 jet on Friday morning. The ride was a thrilling way to honor Hyland's dedication to her students.

Hyland, who was recently named Teacher of the Year in Manchester Township, suited up and went through a full pre-flight briefing before she took flight.

The flight gave her the chance to pull some serious G-forces. It was a true ride of a lifetime and a thrilling way for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to say "thank you" for all she does in the classroom.