WEST ORANGE, NJ - First grade students at Kelly Elementary School hosted a School Pride Assembly on June 12.

Students taught the student body about the planets and why Kelly Elementary School students are called the Kelly Astronauts. Retired Principal Dr. Joanne Pollara paid a special visit to the assembly to tell students all about astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly. The Kelly brothers grew up in West Orange and attended Pleasantdale Elementary School, and in 2016, the West Orange School District renamed Pleasantdale Kelly Elementary in honor of its famous alumni. 

From March 27, 2015 to March 1, 2016, Scott Kelly lived aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a research project to compare his physicality against his earthbound brother Mark upon his return. During his time in space, Kelly even videoconferenced students at Pleasantdale (Kelly) through the bond formed with Dr. Pollara and his elementary school. Dr. Pollara shared a special video with an inspirational message personalized for the students by Scott Kelly himself.