MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. – John Herrington, former astronaut and the first Native American to fly into space, will visit Edward Harris Jr. Middle School, Elk Grove, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, to share NASA’s future exploration goals and his excitement about space exploration.
Herrington and NASA education officials will participate in a ‘launch’ event celebrating the May 2007 selection of Edward Harris Middle Jr. School as a NASA Explorer School. During the assembly, Herrington will discuss NASA’s plans to return to the moon and explore Mars, and how students can participate as the nation’s next generation of explorers. He will encourage students to pursue studies in math, science and technology and careers in aeronautics and space.
What: Edward Harris Jr. Middle School NASA Explorer School ‘Launch’ Event
When: Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007
Student Assemblies: 8:10 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. PST
Media Opportunity: 10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. PST
Student lunch with former astronaut John Herrington: 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. PST
Who: Former Astronaut John Herrington and NASA education officials
Where: 8691 Power Inn Road, Elk Grove, Calif.
News media interested in attending or interviewing Herrington should contact Jonas Dino at 650-207-3280 or 650-604-5612. Visitors are required to sign in at the school’s main office to enter the campus.
Herrington was born in Wetumka, Okla., and before settling in Plano, Texas, lived in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Riverton Wyo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 1993 and a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1995. As a naval aviator, Herrington served three tours of duty in the Pacific Region and earned numerous service awards, including the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Herrington was selected for the astronaut corps in 1996 and flew in space during the STS-113 space shuttle Endeavour mission to the International Space Station. During the 13-day mission, Herrington performed three spacewalks, totaling 19 hours and 55 minutes. He retired from NASA in July 2005.
Sponsored by NASA, the Explorer School program is a three-year partnership to help educators and students join NASA’s mission of discovery through educational activities and special learning opportunities tailored to promote science, mathematics and technology applications and career explorations.
During the partnership, students participate in digital conferences with NASA scientists and engineers. Educators also provide hands-on activities for their students that provide exciting learning experiences in science, mathematics and technology.
For information about the NASA Explorer Schools Program, visit:
http://explorerschools.nasa.gov
For information about NASA programs and missions, visit:
