Quick look: On the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, students and staff at McAuliffe Middle School reflected on the life and legacy of their school’s namesake, Christa McAuliffe.
On Jan. 28, 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart just 73 seconds after liftoff, claiming the lives of all seven crew members on board.
Among them was Christa McAuliffe, a New Hampshire teacher selected to become the first educator in space. The moment was witnessed live by millions of Americans, many of them students watching from their classrooms.
Exactly 40 years later, students and staff from McAuliffe Middle School in the Los Alamitos Unified School District marked the anniversary with a day of reflection designed not only to remember the tragedy, but to honor the values McAuliffe stood for as an educator.
Rather than focusing solely on loss, the observance centered on curiosity, courage and the belief that learning extends far beyond the classroom. District officials say these principles continue to shape their school community.
“This day was entirely student driven, and that was very intentional,” said Jennifer LeTourneau, a seventh-grade English teacher. “Students didn’t just learn Christa McAuliffe’s story. They reflected on what her legacy means to them and how they hope to carry it forward.”
Student-led announcements opened the morning, featuring a brief tribute to McAuliffe along with a moment of silence. In classrooms, teachers shared a short, age-appropriate video to provide historical context and encourage thoughtful discussion about McAuliffe’s role as a teacher who believed deeply in exploration and lifelong learning.
Students later contributed to a Legacy Wall, which emerged as one of the day’s most meaningful symbols.
Designed by students from Link Crew, Associated Student Body and the California Junior Scholarship Federation, the display highlighted McAuliffe’s story alongside handwritten reflections from students about curiosity, courage and what it means to be a lifelong learner. The reflections demonstrated not only an understanding of history, but also a sense of ownership in carrying that legacy forward.
During lunch, students were invited to share what they are curious about in the world and what legacy they hope to leave behind. Inspired by McAuliffe’s belief in discovery and exploration, the activity prompted thoughtful responses ranging from questions about space and science to hopes of 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.
