Astronaut Leland Melvin returns to Lynchburg

By Annie McCallum
News & Advance
Published: April 7, 2008

Heritage High School alum Leland Melvin made his first trip back to the Hill City since his mission on the space shuttle Atlantis.

His homecoming was marked by a visit to his alma mater, where he spoke to students during the morning announcements through the school’s closed-circuit TV system.

“I thank you all for your love and support,” he said from the school library.

Melvin spent a little less than an hour at the school. He addressed students and returned items he took into space, including a specially crafted Heritage flag.

He urged students to be passionate and work hard to achieve their goals.

“I don’t want to be the only Pioneer who goes to space,” he said, referring to Heritage’s mascot. “It all starts right here with education and perseverance.”

The brief event garnered plenty of attention, with more than 50 people gathered inside the school’s library. Superintendent Paul McKendrick, various school board members, state Sen. Steve Newman and Del. Shannon Valentine were all present.

Mayor Joan Foster issued a proclamation stating April 7 is “Leland Melvin Day” in Lynchburg.

Melvin is scheduled to speak at Liberty University this morning.

10 On Your Side’s Aimee Norton will bring you what Melvin has to say, tonight on WSLS at 5:00 p.m.