Throughout my childhood and yours, we have seen many advances in science and technology. As I write today, I think specifically about the space program. Two heroes of aerospace have past in this past month, Sallie Ride, the first woman astronaut to travel on a shuttle and this week Neil Armstrong, who walked on the moon in 1968.
Students, it is important for you that these people were part of the advances made in science. The future careers many of you will have come from some of the things they did. Not only were they members of the space program, they were instrumental in science studies.
Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon was an aviation pioneer. "As a research pilot at NASA's Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif., he was a project pilot on many pioneering high speed aircraft, including the well known, 4000-mph X-15. He has flown over 200 different models of aircraft, including jets, rockets, helicopters and gliders." http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/about/bios/neilabio.html
Girls, in particular may note that Sallie Ride was a role model for female scientists in the space program. You may learn more about her and the programs she began for girls in school at https://www.sallyridescience.com/ and http://www.nasa.gov/offices/hsf/members/ride-bio.html
I present this to all of you, boys and girls alike, to encourage you to go forth and excel in careers which will benefit society and our nation. You have the potential, just unlock the door of knowledge to find it.
pictures courtesy of NASA.gov
