Christa McAuliffe Day Declared In NH

CONCORD, NH — Monday marked the 33rd anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger disaster and Gov. Chris Sununu issued a proclamation declaring it Christa McAuliffe Day in New Hampshire. McAuliffe, a Concord High School social studies teacher, was one of seven crew members killed when the shuttle exploded Jan. 28, 1986. She was 37.

McAuliffe was selected to become the first teacher in space out of more than 11,000 applicants.

"We are reminded of her purpose as an educator to open minds and put emphasis on exceptional learning in her own words 'I touch the future, I teach,' and these profound words continue to guide education programs today" the proclamation reads. "Christa McAuliffe's memory is honored through the work of several scholarship programs, learning centers, foundations and charities, and New Hampshire is proud to recognize the important and inspiring work and legacy left by Christa McAuliffe."

It continued, "We will always remember (the Challenger crew) for their remarkable bravery."

McAuliffe was honored through the naming of Concord's Christa McAuliffe Elementary School and McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.

In August, astronaut Ricky Arnold performed one of McAuliffe's lessons during a broadcast from the International Space Station.