GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Twenty-five scholars from Innovation Central High School’s Academy of STEM (ASTEM) attended the Roger That! Conference at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), an annual event dedicated to space exploration and the legacy of Grand Rapids Central High School alumnus and astronaut Roger B. Chaffee.
The conference, a collaboration between GVSU and the Grand Rapids Public Museum, provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with experts in the field of space exploration.
One of the event’s highlights was a special meeting with Commander John Herrington, Ph.D., a retired NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Commander. Herrington made history as the first member of a Native American tribe (Chickasaw Nation) to fly in space.
Scholars also participated in discussions on the critical role of communication in space exploration, gaining insights into the challenges and innovations that enable astronauts to stay connected beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Innovation Central Principal Derrick Martin remarked on the lasting impact of Roger B. Chaffee’s legacy.
"At Innovation Central, we are extremely proud of the accomplishments of Roger B. Chaffee, a Grand Rapids Central High School Class of 1953 alumnus and one of the very first astronauts in the U.S. space program - Apollo 1. Chaffee tragically died in an accident while preparing for a space mission, but his intelligence, determination, and pride for his country live on through the work he did that contributed to future space travel and through the ASTEM scholars at Innovation Central," Martin said.
The Roger That! Conference continues to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM and space exploration, fostering curiosity and innovation that align with Chaffee’s pioneering spirit.
