York Town News
NASA astronaut coming home to speak at York High School Commencement
By Jennifer L. Saunders
NASA Astronaut Chris Cassidy
YORK - Almost two decades after his own graduation from York High School, Maine's first astronaut is scheduled to return to town this Thursday to speak to the Class of 2007.
Chris Cassidy graduated from York High School with the class of 1988, and went on to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School and the U.S. Naval Academy on his way to spending a decade as a Navy SEAL and, ultimately, fulfilling a life's dream of being an astronaut.
"He is not only a York graduate, but he is Maine's first and only astronaut," York High School Principal Bob Stevens told the School Committee last week when he and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Henry Scipione announced Cassidy would be the guest speaker at this year's commencement exercises.
NASA officials had confirmed one day earlier that "NASA astronaut Christopher J. Cassidy, a graduate of York High School in Maine, will deliver the Commencement Address at his alma mater on June 14."
After leaving York, Cassidy went on to receive a Bachelor's degree in mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1993 and a Master's degree in ocean engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2000. Before his selection as an astronaut, Cassidy spent 10 years as a member of the Navy SEALs.
In fact, it was just after Cassidy had returned from his second tour of duty in Afghanistan that he learned he had been selected by NASA for astronaut training in 2004.
Cassidy's quote upon learning he would begin the program was, "I hope to be the next guy on the moon."
In 2006, Cassidy completed astronaut candidate training, which included training that ranged from intensive instruction in shuttle and International Space Station systems to water and wilderness survival training.
According to NASA, completion of this initial training has qualified Cassidy for various technical assignments within the Astronaut Office and future spaceflight assignment as a mission specialist.
Although he was born in Salem, Mass., Cassidy has always said he considers York his hometown. In past interviews, Cassidy has said that his favorite memories of York High School include the inspiration he received from teachers there, and playing on the basketball team.
"Selected by NASA in 2004, Cassidy will deliver a motivational speech drawing upon his experiences as an astronaut. During the speech, he will offer words of wisdom and encourage the graduating class to set goals and explore their dreams," according to a press release issued by NASA. "Afterwards, 161 seniors will receive high school diplomas."
Cassidy, who is a lieutenant commander in the Navy as well as a NASA astronaut, is married with three children.
