NASA astronaut Dr. John Herrington to speak to students and teachers at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School

Press release from Koonts Intermediate school principal Robin Board:

Principal Robin Board is thrilled to announce that NASA astronaut Dr. John Herrington will speak to 700 students and teachers at Charles T. Koontz Intermediate School, Tuesday morning April 19th, encouraging kids to dream big and think about the impact they can have on the world. The program begins at 9:10 a.m.

“I am delighted for our students to have the opportunity to listen to NASA astronaut, Dr. Herrington, and hear his inspiring message of believing in yourself and setting goals to achieve great things in life,” says Board. “I know he will have a captive audience.”

Dr. Herrington, a member of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, flew to the International Space Station in 2002 about the shuttle Endeavour. The historic mission included three space walks, the delivery of the Expedition-Six crew, the delivery, installation and activation of the P1 Truss, and the transfer of cargo to the station.

Dr. Herrington will highlight the need for personal motivation, mentors, as well as experiential and educational opportunities. “It’s never too early in a student’s life to dream big and plan for the future,” Dr. Herrington says. “I like to ask kids: ‘What is your measure of success?’”

Some additional points students will learn from NASA astronaut Dr. Herrington:
Everything is a team effort.
Believe in the people who believe in you.
You can achieve what you believe.
Your path to success is driven by your motivation to succeed.

“Our students will also have the exciting opportunity to ask Dr. Herrington questions after his speech,” Board says. “His visit to our school is a result of Zaniac Learning, a national STEM after-school enrichment center for kids K-8th grade, celebrating its first North Carolina campus opening later in the afternoon,” Board explains. “It’s going to be an exciting day for our children,” Board says.

Dr. Herrington will officially open the Zaniac Campus in Biltmore Park Town Square, in a Grand Opening Celebration from 4-7 p.m.at One Town Square Boulevard, Suite 120, behind the Beverly-Hanks Realtors office. Zaniac invites all families to come out and enjoy its Grand Opening. Free and open to the public, the Grand Opening includes:

Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting!
NASA Astronaut Dr. John Herrington officially opens the Campus!
Pictures with NASA Astronaut Dr. John Herrington! Linnae Harris, a professional photographer will be on hand to take pictures of your kids with a real astronaut.
Tour the Zaniac Campus!
Hands-on kids STEM activities onsite!
Scavenger Hunt!
Moon Shot Toss!
Prizes!