Astronaut Buzz Aldrin inspires students during visit to namesake school to commemorate Mars map donation
Persevere, don't ever take no for an answer, and continue to push the limits: These were just a few of the inspirational words that astronaut Buzz Aldrin shared with students and staff when he visited his namesake school in Schaumburg on March 2.
Dr. Aldrin and his foundation recently donated to Aldrin a large-scale interactive floor map depicting the surface of Mars, and he came to the school to officially commemorate the gift.
The walls of the school were filled with space-themed student projects to welcome Dr. Aldrin. Students wore red, white and blue and waved small American flags.
Dr. Aldrin spoke to fourth- through sixth-grade students in the school's gym, where the Mars map had been set up, while younger students watched the assembly from their classrooms via a live feed.
He talked about how he came to be an astronaut, and urged students to keep trying when they face challenges.
"Don't you ever take no for an answer. Because of my perseverance, I made it," he said.
Dr. Aldrin also spoke of the importance of space exploration, past and future.
"By venturing into space we improve life for everyone here on Earth. We explore or we expire," Dr. Aldrin said. "We need to push beyond our current limits. We did that in 1969. I am living proof that we can do the impossible."
Dr. Aldrin's presentation featured a variety of iconic photos, including the image of Dr. Aldrin standing on the Moon with the Eagle lunar module in 1969 and the photographer - Neil Armstrong - reflected in the faceplate of his helmet.
Students clapped enthusiastically for Dr. Aldrin and waved their flags after his speech. "Space rocks!" one student cheered.
Members of the Aldrin club that has been using the Mars map then had the opportunity to meet Dr. Aldrin, after which Dr. Aldrin walked around the school while the younger students lined the hallways and waved.
"We were so honored to have a true American hero, Dr. Buzz Aldrin, visit our school this morning. His amazing accomplishments and his drive to inspire our youth will bring our students to new heights," said Aldrin Principal Mary Botterman. "We thank him for helping our students dream of what could be!"
This was Dr. Aldrin's third visit to Aldrin Elementary School. District 54 opened three schools in 1971 named after the Apollo 11 astronauts - Michael Collins Elementary School, Buzz Aldrin Elementary School and Neil Armstrong Elementary School.