Students interview American hero
Eight girls from Kathie Suriano’s fifth-grade class recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Sally Ride. Ride, the first American woman in space, was also the chairperson of the President’s Investigation Committee over the Challenger accident. Coming so soon after the Columbia tragedy, the meeting was particularly timely.
The students, their parents and teacher had previously made arrangements to have a private interview Dr. Ride about being an American hero. In the aftermath of the Columbia disaster, however, the media was anxious to speak with Ride. Despite the demands on her time and expertise, Ride kept her appointment with the students, whose questions reflected the concerns they and their fellow students had about the shuttle disaster.
In a room filled with television cameras and professional reporters, the fifth- graders interviewed ride. Reporters and camera crews from all the major networks including NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN and the Associated Press were cautioned to remain silent, and comments made by Ride during the interview were used in television broadcasts and newspaper reports nationwide.
Students asked about a wide range of issues, including funding for the shuttle, the possible causes of the accident, the impact of the accident on astronauts and other items. Ride later commented on the outstanding job the students did and how the “professionals” were impressed and grateful for such insightful questions.
The Thornebrooke students also brought along a 14 foot red, white, and blue banner with pictures of Columbia’s Crew which read “We Honor the Crew of Columbia” for all attendees to sign. During the festival, the banner was filled with hundreds of expressions of appreciation, love and promises for the future like: “We will continue for you.” After, the festival, Ride made sure the banner arrived at NASA where it is now on display for NASA employees at the Launching Center.
“It was just the most overwhelming, incredible day in my teaching career! It touched everyone so deeply,” said Surriano.
Sally Ride Science Festivals are held throughout the country as a part of a national program to encourage interest in math and science for girls grades 5 through 8. Festivals feature powerful, inspiring, thought provoking addresses from such woman as USAF General Marcie Harris and Sally Ride and hands-on science experiments from creating chocolate asphalt to launching your own rocket. To find out more about this program, log on to www.sallyridescienceclub.com.