Life Flight part of photo-op of Clay football, cheerleaders

        On Sunday morning at Clay High School on the practice field just north of the stadium, Mercy Health Life Flight landed for a photo shoot of seniors on the Clay Football team and the cheerleading squad.
        “Each year, we do this,” said Jeff Ziviski, a board member of the Oregon City Schools District. 
        “Last year, we did it at O.H. Stables with horses in Oregon,” he said. This year, Mercy Life Flight agreed to fly out for the photo shoot, which was sponsored by Mercy St. Charles Hospital and Ziviski,
        “I always try to help out and get a unique setting for them for the senior photo shoots,” said Ziviski. “This year, I really wanted to take the photo shoot to a different level and make it special for the seniors.  Last year, we did “Eagles are not horsing around,” at the O.H. Stables. “This year, I was able to coordinate with Mercy Health Life Flight and get a helicopter and mobile unit to come out to Clay.”
       
Theme
         A possible theme this year is, “Eagles are taking flight in 2022,” he said.
         Pilot Lee Brothers flew the Life Flight chopper out of Wauseon as part of a normal maintenance program.
        “We were also able to get the Mercy Mobile Intensive Care Unit to drive out and participate as well,” said Ziviski. “The chopper landed on the practice field just north of the stadium as the group of seniors and parents watched in awe.  All of us have seen a helicopter fly in the sky, but to be that close to it when it is landing and taking off and to feel the wind from the propellers takes it to another level.”
       
Safety
        Lee spoke to the group before the photo shoot about helicopter safety and various aspects of being a pilot.  After the photo shoot, he spoke to those who were interested in becoming a pilot.
        “So not only was it a fun opportunity for all, but it also served as a learning moment for those that wanted to take advantage and speak one-on -one with Lee,” said Ziviski.
        Senior Donovan Yeager called it “an amazing experience.”
        “The helicopter landing on our field was something like no other,” he said. “The crew was very nice and accommodating. It’s a great start to our senior season.”
        “I know the photo shoots are always important,” said Lucas Frasier, a senior at Clay. “It sends a message to our seniors. We are blessed here at Clay.”
         Ziviski said he appreciated Mercy Health and Mercy Life Flight for participating in the annual event with the senior football players, cheerleaders and their parents.
        “Mercy and the Oregon City Schools District have always had a great partnership and this is just another example of these two organizations coming together for the betterment of the children,” said Ziviski.