Cris as Captain Scott O’Grady

I went to the school this past Tuesday to watch Cris present his biography project. He learned about Captain Scott O’Grady and did a presentation to the class as O’Grady. He is being interviewed by another student. I wanted to post the video but I don’t have the upgrade to include it here so I am posting a couple of pictures. I had too, since he’s the greatest, smartest kid ever! I know, I am more than a little biased.

I love when Cris has projects like this because it gives me a chance to learn something I may not have known already. I get to spend some extra time with Cris and I love to see the outcome of his hard work.

Captain Scott O’Grady, if you don’t know or remember, is the F-16 fighter pilot that was shot down over Bosnia in 1995 and survived behind enemy lines for 6 days before being rescued.  A fascinating story indeed! He would move during the night only between midnight and 4 am and “sleep” during the day, covered by his camoflauge. At one point he had cows grazing at his feet while he lay perfectly still, trying to sleep. He ate bugs and plants in order to survive and drank rainwater that he collected.

Cris really enjoyed this project and I would say it broadened his horizons a little.  The kids got to ask him questions and he did a great job answering them. One kid asked him how old he is today. Cris was stumped but stayed in character and answered with “I really haven’t been keeping track of time so I don’t know how old I am.”  That answer got him a big laugh from the kids and the teacher.

Ask him anything about Captain Scott O’Grady or the missile that shot him down and he will tell you everything you want to know and more, with a big smile on his face!

Cris as Captain Scott O'Grady

Captain Scott O'Grady