Washington State Statutes - Washington Attorney Directory

The award for teachers under the Washington award for excellence in education program shall be named the "Washington State Christa McAuliffe Award, in honor and memory of Sharon Christa Corrigan McAuliffe." As the first teacher and private citizen selected nationally to voyage into space, Christa McAuliffe exemplified what is exciting and positive about the teaching profession. Her contributions within the scope of the nation's education system helped to show that education can and should be a vital and dynamic experience for all participants. Christa McAuliffe's chosen profession encompasses learning by discovery and her desire to make new discoveries was reflected by her participation in the nation's space program.

The selection of Christa McAuliffe as the first teacher in space was directly linked to Washington state in that then superintendent of public instruction Dr. Frank Brouillet both appointed and served as a member of the national panel which selected Christa McAuliffe.

The tragic loss of the life of Christa McAuliffe on the flight of the space shuttle Challenger on January 28, 1986, will be remembered through the legacy she gave to her family, friends, relatives, students, colleagues, the education profession, and the nation: A model example of striving toward excellence.

[1991 c 255 § 2; 1986 c 147 § 3. Formerly RCW 28A.03.526.]

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