'Larger than life:' Christa McAuliffe memorialized with statue in front of the State House
Hundreds gathered in front of the State House Monday morning for the unveiling of a statue of Christa McAuliffe, who was destined to be the first teacher in space aboard the space shuttle Challenger before it exploded in January 1986. The bronze sculpture was revealed to the public, including nine-year-old Oliver Babladelis and his six-year-old sister Matilda, who attend the Christa McAuliffe School in Concord. Oliver acknowledged McAuliffe's significance as the first person selected to travel in a rocket ship meant for space exploration, despite not completing the journey.
Many attendees recalled watching the devastating events of January 28, 1986, when the Challenger disaster occurred shortly after launch, claiming McAuliffe's life along with six other crew members. To honor her memory, Governor Chris Sununu initiated the creation of a memorial statue through an executive order. The statue was unveiled on September 2, 2024, which would have been McAuliffe's 76th birthday. Sununu, who was in fourth grade when McAuliffe was chosen for the Teacher in Space Project in 1984, remembered her as a larger-than-life figure who captivated the nation with her journey to space.
McAuliffe's Legacy
Christa McAuliffe, a high school teacher from Concord, was the first educator-astronaut selected for the Teacher in Space Project. The excitement surrounding her mission inspired classrooms nationwide. She was known not only for her achievements but also for her iconic presence and memorable one-liners in the media. Sununu reflected on McAuliffe's impact, emphasizing her role as a hero teacher and the significance of her statue's placement on the State House lawn.
Symbol of Inspiration
McAuliffe's husband, Steven, shared his wife's enthusiasm for the NASA Teacher in Space program and emphasized her humble dedication to the teaching profession. The unveiling of the 8-foot-tall statue, depicting McAuliffe in a space suit with her motto "I touch the future. I teach," was met with applause from the crowd. Sculpted by Benjamin Victor, the statue captures McAuliffe's spirit and enthusiasm for education.
