Olivas Makes First Trip To EP After Returning From Space Station

EL PASO, TX – Danny Olivas made his first visit to El Paso since coming back home to earth from a 14 day trip to the international space station.

Olivas’ day began at Burges High School, where he attended school more than 25 years ago. While there, Olivas spoke to about 1,000 students from Bonham Elementary, McArthur Intermediate and Burgess High.

“It was awesome because not only did someone actually get out of El Paso, but they got out of El Paso and into space,” said Kyle Alvarado, a senior at Burges.

A big round of applause and numerous signs hung around the gym welcomed the NASA astronaut back to his former school and old neighborhood.

One sign read “Danny we are proud of you,” while another read “we love our astronaut.”

During his speech, Olivas reminded students about the importance of teamwork and never giving up on your dreams. To illustrate the point, he told students he had to apply at NASA nine times before finally being accepted.

Olivas also spoke in detail about the shuttle launch and its return to earth as well as his role in fixing the thermal blanket, which tore during lift-off.

The astronaut also reminded students that we have only begun to explore space and their is still plenty of thing they could do should they choose to follow in his footsteps.

Many students at the event told ABC-7 they got a lot out of his speech. “It doesn’t matter what background you come from, you can do great things if you have faith in yourself,” stated Burges senior Marina Garcia.

Later in the day, the University of Texas at El Paso held a parade to honor Olivas after hegave a lecture to students at the Undergraduate Learning Center.