Joe Acaba - Astronaut

Joe Acaba, a 1985 graduate of Esperanza High School, was one of the astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle on March 11, 2009

One of 1600 applicants, Joe was a science and math teacher at a Florida middle school before he was chosen to be an astronaut. He stopped by Esperanza High in 2004, about 2 months after the announcement, to tell me he thinks his time in metal shop was the difference in his being chosen for the program.  He said all three of his interviews focused on his experiences in metals.

At that time, my advanced metals program was an ROP class. Acaba was a slight student and very energetic and kept me on my toes, always wanting to learn more, and picking things up very quickly. I found out in ‘04 that he was an AP kid which he just didn't let on to anyone.

He had taken all the science and math Esperanza had to offer at that time. As we talked, I realized we didn't have the grad requirements we have now and so Joe took the class as his extras, instead of going home. He carried full loads all 4 years so he could take the fun classes.

We at Esperanza are very proud of him and wish him and his fellow astronauts good luck and a safe mission.

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Thanks to "Walt" Walters of Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, for this great story.

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