How cool is it to be a high school senior and working towards your pilot’s license? I know I’m impressed but definitely not surprised.
Jack- serious and goofy, bright, humble and funny… gentle and kind ALL in the same breath. Jack’s the oldest of those and talented Gray family kids.
We all love them.
Having known Jack (my oldest is the same age) since he was a pre-schooler at Miss Ruthie’s Emigrant Trail and to see him now navigating the airspace around the Cameron Park Airport- is a blunt reality check. These amazing kiddos are all grown up and getting ready to fly the coop.
When entering El Dorado High School as a senior, it was apparent to Jack’s parents that he needed to find his passion- something that made him tick, something that got him out of bed every day, something that was interesting and motivating to him. We all want that for our kids- right? Jack suggested flying lessons and here he is working towards being a pilot. Flying is his passion and I enjoyed capturing Jack in his element.
I met the Gray family and their many supportive friend and family out at the airport a few months ago to capture a few candids as it was supposed to be Jack’s first solo flight but it was ultimately called off by his instructor due to non steady winds. It wasn’t the right conditions for a first solo flight. (ok- every parent is breathing a sigh of relief). Just as sailing teaches you a respect for the ocean, flying teaches you a respect for the air and the wind, in this case.
Fast forward a month or two and without the pressure of his first solo flight- we grabbed a few photographs prior to his Saturday lesson. I then met up with the Gray family the next day at Sly Park Lake for some family photographs. Those are to come in another post because this post celebrates Jack. Congrats Jack – keep soaring- keep flying….As you move from high school senior to what is next, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you.
How strange is this combination of proximity and separation.
That ground – seconds away – thousands of miles away.
~Charles A. Lindbergh
