Former astronaut Ellen Ochoa visited two Pasco schools last week to share her experiences in space and inspire students to pursue their dreams. 

The veteran astronaut and former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center visited Ochoa Middle School, which was named in her honor, on May 20. She also visited Orion High School. 

It’s not Ochoa’s first trip to Pasco: she’s visited the school district over the years, impacting both students and staff, according to a Pasco School District press release.

Ochoa is the the first Hispanic woman to travel to space.

At Ochoa Middle School, she met with students and staff, answered student questions, visited several classrooms and narrated a video of her spaceflight experience.  

During her visit, students performed “Reach for the Stars,” a piece composed by orchestra teacher Allen Madsen, inspired by Ochoa’s message to students.  

“We are incredibly honored to welcome Dr. Ochoa back to Pasco,” said Brian Leavitt, principal of Ochoa Middle School, in a statement. “Her story continues to inspire our students to dream big, work hard, and believe that anything is possible.”