NASA Astronaut Visits Hawaii Schools and Teaches Students to Dream Big

NASA Astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt visited three of American Savings Bank’s (ASB) Bank for Education Ohana Schools to talk to students grades K-5 about his career journey and wowed them with inspirational stories about his out-of-this-world experiences as a space traveler.   
 
“We are thrilled to continue this long-standing program that connects students with a real-life NASA astronaut and gives them a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the wonders of outer space,” said Ann Teranishi, ASB president and chief executive officer. “We are committed to supporting local students by providing access to STEM resources that are essential to growing an innovative economy in Hawaii.”   
 
The annual educational event, now in its 22nd year, benefits thousands of Hawaii youth and honors Hawaii-born Astronaut Ellison Onizuka, whose life was cut short on the Space Shuttle Challenger mission. This year marks the 36th anniversary of the Challenger mission. 

As Bank for Education Ohana Schools and past KeikiCo Contest winners, Ala Wai, Hokulani and Pearl City Highlands Elementary Schools receive support from ASB through grant awards, financial literacy education and volunteer projects.   
 
Claude Onizuka, Ellison’s younger brother and former ASB branch manager, leads the event that honors his brother’s memory. “My brother once said, ‘Vision is not limited by what your eye can see, but by what your mind can imagine,’” Claude Onizuka said.