Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster

I remember my parents recalling where they were when President Kennedy was shot. I remember where I was January 28, 1986. I was in 7th grade at Huntley Middle School, and in English class.

My gymn Teacher Mr. Richot was a runner up to be on the Challenger as well. I guess they must've been taping the footage to show to the school when the disaster happened. Early on in the day there was an announcement on the P.A. that the shuttle had exploded and in the afternoon there was an assembly and they showed us video footage of the disaster. I still get a lump in my throat thinking about it.

Later that week there was a display made for the front lobby of the school in honor of those who lost their lives. There was a picture of Mr. Richot with his arm around Christa McAuliffe, just smiling. I found that to be particularly haunting.

Later that day President Reagan addressed the nation on the tragedy.