Ellen Ochoa

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, every school day The Cardinal will feature a prominent and historical Hispanic American, living or dead, who has worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes, who deserve recognition, and have made a contribution to society.

September 15, 2023

Ellen Ochoa born May 10, 1958 in Los Angeles, California. Ellen Ocho grew up in La Mesa, California. Ellen was a middle child of five. Ochoa graduated from Gorssmount highschool in 1975. Her parents had divorced but that didn’t stop her from achieving her goal. She was the first Hispanic woman to travel into space in 1993. Ochoa was inspired by astronaut Sally Ride, a fellow L.A native who was the first American woman in space in 1983. Ellen was the 11th director of the Johnson Space Center; but the first Hispanic director and second woman director. Believe it or not, Ochoa earned her bachelor’s degree in physics at our very own San Diego State University. Ellen Ochoa retired in 2018 to become vice chair of the National Science Board. They run the National Science Foundation.

The Ochoa Middle School located in Pasco, Washington, the Ellen Ochoa Elementary School in Cudahy, CA and the Ánimo Ellen Ochoa Charter Middle School in East Los Angeles are named in her honor. In addition, Grand Prairie, Texas has the Ellen Ochoa STEM Academy at Ben Milam Elementary School and Pico Rivera, California has the Ellen Ochoa Prep Academy. Union Public Schools in Tulsa named a new elementary school after her as well.

A flag with the rocket logo of the Ochoa Middle School in Pasco, Washington, flew with Ochoa in April 2002 aboard the Shuttle Atlantis for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. Ochoa returned the flag to the school when she visited as a special guest at the 2002 dedication and it remains on permanent display.

About the Contributor

Gerardo Flores, Associate Editor

Gerardo Flores is a senior at Hoover High School and was born on February 20, in San Diego California. He is a part of the AHHC which stands for Academy of Health and Healthier Communities. His hobbies include biking, hiking, skating, playing video games, going to the gym, playing football, swimming, and hanging out with friends. The type of food he likes is seafood and Mexican food. Gerardo’s favorite drink is C4 Energy. He will drink any flavor. Gerardo is a really active person. After high school, he plans to join the military and go to college. He wants to study to become a doctor or surgeon. Gerardo is the type of friend who will try to put a smile on your face even on your worst days. He is a chill, understanding, and outgoing person. His favorite tv show is Spongebob Squarepants. Yes! Sponge Squarepants. You read that right. Gerardo says he is a kid at heart and loves to watch cartoons. His favorite movie is Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Gerardo is a hard working student who plans to do his best to succeed in life. Gerardo’s vision to change the world would be to find what makes everyone at peace with themselves.