BEAUFORT, N.C. – As the 38th anniversary of the tragic explosion of the space shuttle Challenger is marked this Sunday, students at Beaufort Elementary School have a special way to honor the memory of the shuttle’s pilot, Captain Michael J. Smith, a native of Beaufort. The school features a mini museum dedicated to him in its lobby, containing items donated by Smith’s family related to him and the Challenger.
The museum serves as an invaluable learning opportunity for the students, with fifth-grade teacher Paul Schwab using it as a way to keep Smith’s memory alive by having his students study the astronaut, his fellow crewmembers, and the artifacts in the museum. Students were seen exploring the museum and researching different aspects of the Challenger and its crew.
Schwab shared that he used the week leading up to the anniversary to cover the flight up to the Challenger, focusing on Smith, the crew, and the space shuttle. He and his students even created a QR code to link people to online articles about the museum, Smith, and the Challenger, bringing the history to life.
The mini museum, which opened on January 28, 2010, holds special items such as an American flag carried onboard one of Smith’s flight missions, his helmet, a shuttle tire, and memorabilia from his family and friends. The museum continues to attract visitors, with N.C. Governor Roy Cooper among those who toured it in January 2019.
The impact of Captain Smith’s legacy is not confined to the school, as his family continues to be part of the Beaufort community. A state marker in his memory sits at Airport Road and Highway 101, and there is a memorial in his honor on the Beaufort waterfront, showcasing the lasting impact that he has had on his hometown.
Captain Michael J. Smith’s inspiring journey, from growing up in Beaufort to his achievements as a Navy test pilot and ultimately as an astronaut, is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. His legacy lives on not only through the museum and memorials but also in the hearts of the students inspired by his story.