Local superintendent goes skydiving to encourage students to try new things

BROADALBIN, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A local superintendent is setting an example from the air and challenging his students to get out of their comfort zone and experience the world this summer.

Earlier this month, Superintendent Stephen Tomlinson of the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District was buckled up and attached to a member of the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team for an experience unlike any other.

Their view from the plane was 12,500 feet up in the air.

"I might be a bit of an adrenaline junkie," Tomlinson told NEWS10.

A proud son and grandson of men who served in the U.S. Military, Tomlinson has always had an affinity for our armed forces. To teach his students in the district about today's military and the opportunities available, he accepted a special invitation from the U.S. Army to go skydiving with members of the military.

"On May 8, I received a letter from the Department of Army," he explained.

Tomlinson was invited to Savannah, Georgia through the U.S. Military's Leaders in Education Program.

"First and foremost, there was a tear in my eye of how humbled I am," Tomlinson explained.

"There is a bit of emotion that came over me because I am sitting in a very high-tech airplane of the U.S. Army -- the greatest military in the world -- and being given this opportunity and I am a very simple guy."

His emotion quickly turned to excitement. "Flying through the air at about 120 mph you don't realize you are going that fast," he said. "You're able to take in sights and sounds and to see the horizon. My goodness, one of the most peaceful experiences anyone could ever have."

The greater lesson from his view from the sky is one he wants his students to consider as they leave school for the summer.

"Every day in life, there is something to be learned from experiences. Don't ever let fear control you. Don't let the growth and lessons you are going to learn, don't ever let them be stifled by fear."

It's a message he hopes will inspire future leaders within the class of 2024.