We're Going Into the Hudson
OSHKOSH, WI - Aviation Artist, Rouch donated a painting to the Young Eagles Program. The organization, established in 1992 and currently co-chaired by Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III and Jeffrey Skiles, offers our youth between the ages of 8 through 17 an opportunity to learn general aviation and how to fly. The original painting, titled, "We're Going Into the Hudson," was signed by both co-chairmen and unveiled on 29 July 2010 at the EAA Gathering of Eagles gala. The artwork is a heroic rendition of US Airways Flight 1549, piloted by Captain Sullenberger and First Officer Skiles, who made a miraculous landing into the Hudson River and saved the lives of all the 155 passengers and crew members on January 15, 2009.
This year's Young Eagle event rose over $2.1 million. EAA youth educational program offers an opportunity to fly for free of charge and all made possible because of generous EAA members and their donations. The painting was auctioned off during the Gathering of the Eagles fundraising event and Michael and Wendy Graham are the proud new owners. Rouch's mission is to encourage kids to aim high and actively donates her time annually to AIAA Kids Club program, facilitating an Engineering/Art exercise for 8-10 year olds. Jeannie Rose, introduced Rouch to Tom Poberezny at the 2010 Living Legends of Aviation, a Kiddie Hawk Air Academy fundraiser in Beverly Hills. EAA Chairman, Tom Poberezny has over 160,000 members and 1,000 local chapters, all sharing the same passion of aviation. He holds annually the world's top class celebration of aviation at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. The air show offers year after year spectacular aerobatic events and forums.
Ms. Jessica Cox and
Michelle Rouch
Docent guide, John DeLong introduced Ms. Jessica Cox, Tucson-based, inspirational speaker at an EAA forum. The 27 year old offered to never let your fears get in the way of opportunity. Jessica, born without arms and who uses her feet as her "hands", earned her LSA (Light Sport Aviation license) in an Ercoupe aircraft whose design requires no rudders. She is the first woman licensed to fly without arms and is currently working on her instructor's license. On Monday, 26 July 2010 she met President Obama for celebration of the anniversary of the American Disabilities Act. Sean Tucker, an extreme stunt aerobatic pilot, offered to work with Ms. Jessica to figure out how to fly a loop. She describes that there is more than one way to accomplish anything. Desire is 80% of success.
Rouch believes that her aviation artwork can be used as a communication tool to encourage kids in the field of math, science, and engineering. She believes that her educational program can be integrated into the Young Eagles.
(L/R) Mrs. & Mr. Graham and aviation artist, Michelle Rouch with the
painting "We're Going Into the Hudson" at Gathering of Eagles Gala
