On January 28, students and staff at McAuliffe Middle School in the Los Alamitos Unified School District came together to honor the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster while celebrating the enduring legacy of their school’s namesake, Christa McAuliffe, according to a district news release.
The Space Shuttle Challenger, with McAuliffe and six other astronauts aboard, broke apart just 73 seconds after liftoff 40 years ago on January 28, 1986. The explosion claimed the lives of all seven crew members on board, including Christa McAuliffe, a teacher selected to be the first educator in space.
The tragic accident was witnessed by millions of citizens across the nation, many of them students watching live from their classrooms, creating a defining moment in the history of space exploration and education.
Forty years later, McAuliffe Middle School chose to honor that moment in history in a way that centered learning, reflection, and student voice. Rather than focusing solely on the tragedy, the day was intentionally designed to highlight the values Christa McAuliffe stood for as an educator — curiosity, courage, and the belief that learning should extend far beyond the classroom.
The day began with morning announcements led by students, including a short tribute to Christa McAuliffe followed by a moment of silence across the campus named for the teacher/astronaut.
In classrooms, teachers shared a brief, age-appropriate video to provide historical context and encourage thoughtful discussion about her impact as a teacher who believed deeply in exploration and lifelong learning.
One of the day’s most powerful elements was the student-created Legacy Wall. Designed by Link Crew, Associated Student Body, and California Junior Scholarship Federation students, the display highlighted Christa McAuliffe’s story alongside handwritten reflections from students about curiosity, courage, and what it means to be a lifelong learner.
The reflections revealed not only an understanding of history, but also a sense of ownership in carrying that legacy forward, the district said.
“This day was entirely student-driven, and that was very intentional,” said Jennifer LeTourneau, M.Ed., seventh grade English teacher, Link Crew leadership advisor, and CJSF club adviser at McAuliffe Middle School. “Students didn’t just learn about Christa McAuliffe; they took time to really think about what her legacy means to them and how they want to carry that forward in their own lives.”
At lunch, students were invited to share what they are curious about in the world and for the future, as well as the legacy they hope to leave behind. Inspired by Christa McAuliffe’s belief in discovery and exploration, student responses ranged from questions about space and science to hopes for helping others and making a positive impact in their communities.
Teachers and staff played a key role throughout the day, guiding conversations and creating space for reflection to ensure the experience remained meaningful and student-centered. For many students, attending a school named after Christa McAuliffe deepened their understanding of her legacy not only as an astronaut but as a teacher whose passion for learning continues to inspire new generations.
Forty years after the Challenger disaster, McAuliffe Middle School continues to honor Christa McAuliffe through a shared commitment to curiosity, courage, and the power of education values that remain just as relevant today as they were in 1986.
McAuliffe Middle School in Los Alamitos was renamed in honor of teacher-astronaut Christa McAuliffe in February 1986. Following a February 18, 1986, vote by the Los Alamitos Unified School District board, the former Pine Junior High was renamed to honor the teacher who died in the Challenger disaster.
Courtesy of the Los Alamitos Unified School District