Ontario HS names building after Artemis II astronaut and alumnus Victor Glover
After speaking at Ontario HS, Glover threw out the first pitch at Angel Stadium.
ONTARIO, Calif. (KABC) -- NASA astronaut Victor Glover spent a busy Friday in Southern California, returning to his alma mater in San Bernardino County to encourage students before heading to Angel Stadium to throw out the first pitch ahead of the Angels-Rays game.
Glover, introduced to many viewers by April’s historic 10-day Artemis II mission around the moon, was honored on Friday at Ontario High School, where a building now bears his name.
Glover was surprised with the unveiling of the "Victor J. Glover Building" during his visit to his alma mater.
“I was a 16-year-old kid running around that campus,” Glover said. “They named a building after me. I’m still in shock.”
Later in Anaheim, Glover -- the pilot of the Artemis II mission -- took the mound before the game.
At Ontario High School, Glover spoke to a packed auditorium, reflecting on his education and the path that led him from the Inland Empire to space.
“I left Cal Poly with a lot more than a diploma, and I think that’s an important way to think about your education,” he said.
Former classmates from Ontario High School’s class of 1994 said they were proud to see Glover return and inspire students in the community where he grew up.
“He Achieved! He reached for the stars, and he got it,” Christinia Uribe Loza, a former classmate, said.
“I knew he was going to be someone. He was a go-getter, a high achiever. He is the greatest, a most awesome guy,” said Monique Lenoir, another former classmate.
RELATED: Artemis II's moon-traveling astronauts return home to cheers after record-breaking trip
“It’s great to have him come back to our local community after such a historical mission around the moon and remembering us here, and hopefully inspiring a group of young folks from our local area," another former classmate said.
Glover is still grounded despite his accomplishments. He also used the event to deliver a broader message about community and perspective.
“You don’t have to go to the moon. You don’t have to travel 680,000 miles through space. You don’t have to go 252,756 miles away from Earth to know how amazing this place is,” Glover said.
“This is what I have to say: Humans are special. This place we live in is special. Our communities that we have built are special, and we need to work hard to protect and take care of each other,” he said.
One of the former classmates who spoke to Eyewitness News at Friday's event said they hope Glover's next mission is a run for president.
