As I wandered the halls, I came upon this really cool display. It’s an enormous photo of the space shuttle, and it’s signed by astronaut Jim Buchli, a graduate of Fargo Central High School.

The Space Shuttle plays a part in my Mandan High School experience. When the Challenger exploded on the morning of January 28th, 1986, I was in my Business Law class. I think we had one of those AV carts with a TV on it wheeled into our class, but I don’t remember for sure. I just remember that it was in that classroom that I learned of an unthinkable national tragedy.

Coincidentally, Colonel Buchli is scheduled to be presented with the Roughrider Award tomorrow! That’s a pretty fantastic honor for a guy from North Dakota. I hope this photo finds its way to the new school somehow!