Most of us in New Hampshire will forever remember exactly where we were, and exactly what we were doing on the fateful day early in 1986, when news of the Challenger disaster spread. Many were watching the space shuttle launch, with immense pride, still captivated at the thought of one of our own, Concord High School teacher Christa McAuliffe, embarking on her journey into space. This freshman at Central H.S. in Manchester has a unique recollection of NASA’s teacher in space program, in large part due to the participation of one of our school’s science teachers, Bob Veilleux.
Classrooms throughout the school were broadcasting live network television footage, but for those, like me, in the cafeteria at the time of the launch, it was the grim announcement from our school principal moments after liftoff that will forever remain. This month we offer you not only a reminder of the endless possibilities that McAuliffe embraced with an enthusiastic smile that could brighten any horizon, but also a glimpse into the role Granite Staters have played in space exploration (“Small State, Giant Leap for Mankind,” pgs. 4-11).
Ever since he first set foot in New Hampshire more than two decades ago, Eddie Ithier has been sharing his own smile and so much more with every person he meets. To know Eddie is to immediately feel at ease. As a college basketball player, he first made his mark welcoming fans – none more so than the hundreds of youngsters cheering him on, with an almost shy, ear-to-ear grin, comforting handshake and kind words after a game. And, he has never stopped reaching out to kids in the community (“Troubadour Trumpets,” pg. 23).
It is the hope that individuals like McAuliffe and Ithier give to all of us that makes each day special. It is a testimony to the power and will of the human spirit to conceive the inconceivable and then accomplish it.
It is a testament to the soul of this great state that whenever it seems darker, or a bit colder, we can find inspiration in the strength and kindness of a neighbor to light the way and warm us up. Yes, in New Hampshire, we are an especially lucky lot.
