Space Artist Lucy West and Naccarato ’ s launching a Saturn V rocket
Astronaut Wendy Lawrence
The NACA program quickly became a favorite at the school , with students eagerly awaiting fifth grade so they could have Naccarato as their teacher . The zeal for the NACA program often lasts long into adulthood , too .
“ Whenever I can meet up with former students , no matter how long ago I had them , they always take immense pride in telling me that they still have all their NACA stuff . ‘ Aspire to Inspire ’ was advice given to me by my fifth visiting astronaut , Dr . Yvonne Cagle , and having my former students relay to me about keeping all their NACA items and memories shows me how much my program has inspired them .”
Naccarato ’ s program is something that will stay with many students forever . Heather Baird , Matthew Baird ’ s mom , said she remembers being in Naccarato ’ s class and wishes she could go back .
“ I remember hearing my two older brothers talk about him and remember how badly I wanted him as my teacher ,” she said . “ And now , 26 years later , here was my son saying he couldn ’ t wait to be in Chris ’ s class . Priest River is really going to lose an amazing asset when Chris decides to retire . He means so much to the kids .”
Luckily , Naccarato has no plans of slowing down any time soon . There are big plans in the works for NACA before he hangs up his teaching cap and he ’ s excited to continue watching kids ’ excitement for learning come to life in the classroom .
WINTER 2024 — ISSUE NO . 05 31