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Wonder what would be named after him if he hadn't been on the Challenger?

I don't have a problem with naming schools after people but other than attending A&T, what connection does McNair have with Greensboro?

A&T already has an Engineering building named after him, not to mention countless k-12 schools, streets, science centers. Heck, he's even got a moon crater named after him.

In case you're wondering, I got all this info from wikipedia.

As far as I'm concerned, the man has received a fair amount of recognition for his achievements.

How about naming a school after a Greensboro native and someone who made a difference to THIS area. (and I don't mean Fantasia Barrino)

How about Dolley Madison?
Maybe Edward R. Murrow?
Levi Coffin-started Underground Railroad
Stanley Frank--industrialist, philanthropist
Stephen Bartis--brought Pizza to N.C.!

Many choices other than a guy that was just passing through Greensboro and ALREADY has an educational building in his name.

Why don't we name the school after Dr.Terry Grier. He's done alot for the "local community" don't you think?!

I'm kidding of course. But on a serious note, I think that inlight of the names they had to select from, Dr. McNair was a suitable choice. He made great strides and probably would have made even greater accomplishments if not for the 1986 Space Shuttle disaster. The sacrifices on that fateful day should not be forgotten.

ucandoit,

Nobody will know for sure what McNair may have done. But my guess is, if not for the Shuttle disaster, very few people would know his name.

Heck, of the people killed on Challenger, few know the names of anyone besides McNair and McAuliffe.

Interesting isn't it?

7 people die a tragic death and we remember the school teacher and the black guy.

Then I think about the shuttle crews that have returned safely. I challenge anyone to name 5 of them without peeking. Heck, I'll give you a hint. One was a Senator and the first American to orbit the earth.

One CRUCIAL element in the "name game" that is shared by Madison, McNair, Murrow and many others is that they have passed on to their reward and sufficient time has elapsed for any "skeletons in their closets" to have been revealed. Though the suggestion about Dr. Grier was in jest, he's still "above ground" (to the great dismay of many, I suspect). He can still "screw up (again)."

That's the problem with living heroes. Just think of the Buffalo, New York elementary school named for Orenthal James Simpson in 1985 when Mr. Simpson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Yikes!

John Larsh, aka Jack Armstrong,
You are correct. Just look at that arena named for the liberal icon who once coached basketball at a college in the pastures of Orange County. He's still alive, as I saw him recently, playing golf at the Governor's Club.

While I have nothing against the name Ronald McNair Elementary, I feel that Reedy Fork Elementary would be more appropriate. The school will be located in Reedy Fork, most of the students will live in the Reedy Fork development, and, in my opinion, it's just nicer sounding. Reedy Fork Elementary sounds to me like a pleasant place where children are free to be children, while McNair sounds more appropriate for a high school or college. Also, if you'll do a google search for McNair Elementary School, you'll find that it is a very common school name. Reedy Fork Elementary School, however, is not common at all, and, therefore, I believe, has more personality.

Dr Terry Grier can "still" screw up?

My word, he screws up everyday.

Nolies,
I want to give your "MAN" Hebert kudos for taking on Deena Hayes. Seems like he's found his niche now. He might actually build some respect now if he doesn't become as bad as she is. I'm hoping he'll stay on point.

Reedy Fork Elementary School was on the original plans, over 4 years ago. The people in the community love the name. It makes no sense to change it now. Joe Stafford should name (or rename) schools in his district.