[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 10 (Thursday, January 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E90]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN MEMORY OF CHRISTA McAULIFFE AND THE ENTIRE CREW OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE 
                             ``CHALLENGER''

                                 ______


                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 25, 1996

  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of the crew 
of the space shuttle Challenger, and to recognize in particular, 
Christa Corrigan McAuliffe, one of Framingham State College's most 
distinguished graduates.
  Ten years ago, on January 28, 1986, the Challenger disaster occurred 
and changed millions of lives instantly. For the families and friends 
of the astronauts, it meant incomprehensible loss. For young school 
children throughout the world, a dashing of hopes. But hope springs 
eternal.
  We are fortunate in this country that our citizens respond so well to 
adversity. This national tragedy of a decade ago also served to spark 
the imagination of educators and students to develop a fitting tribute 
to our Nation's first teacher-astronaut.
  In October 1994, Framingham State College opened the Christa Corrigan 
McAuliffe Center and the Challenger Learning Center, two innovative 
educational facilities. Inspired by the memory of the Challenger crew, 
the learning centers serve as a continuation of part of the Challenger 
mission: to motivate students to pursue math, science, and technology 
studies by providing them with exciting educational programs which use 
space exploration as a theme, and to energize teachers by providing new 
and interesting training.
  In addition, Framingham State College is commemorating the 10th 
anniversary of the Challenger mission by sponsoring a program entitled 
``Christa's Teachers,'' a teachers' honor roll which pays tribute to 
Christa McAuliffe, America's teacher in space, by recognizing the best 
teachers in America.
  Christa Corrigan McAuliffe and the Challenger crew were true American 
heroes. They have left an indelible mark on the fabric of our society, 
particularly in education; and their enduring legacy is the network of 
Challenger Centers throughout our Nation which links our students and 
teachers and captures the imaginations of millions.

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