ROWLAND, N.C. — Union Elementary School recently hosted a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students as they welcomed a very special guest—John Herrington, the first Native American astronaut.
The event, made possible through the University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Museum of the Southeast American Indian Book Nook Grant, inspired students through storytelling and interactive learning.
Herrington, a former NASA astronaut and member of the Chickasaw Nation, has authored a children’s book Mission to Space about his experience as an astronaut.
During his visit, he spoke about his experience to students, sparking their imaginations about science, exploration, and the future. Students also engaged in a question-and-answer session with Herrington, gaining firsthand insights into his extraordinary journey.
Thanks to the support of the Book Nook Program, each student at Union Elementary received a personal copy of Herrington’s book to take home, encouraging continued learning and a love for reading.
“We are thrilled to give our students the chance to meet a true trailblazer,” said Katrina Locklear, principal of Union Elementary. “Mr. Herrington’s story is one of perseverance, achievement, and inspiration. We are grateful to UNC-Pembroke’s Museum of the Southeast American Indian and the Book Nook Grant for making this experience possible.”
This event not only connected students to a groundbreaking figure in history but also reinforced the importance of literacy, imagination, and dreaming beyond boundaries.