Hometown astronaut meets Waterbury students

WATERBURY -- Hometown hero and astronaut Rick Mastracchio may be orbiting 250 miles above the earth in the International Space Station, but that didn't stop him from paying a visit to thousands of local children at the city's Palace Theater Monday morning.

Appearing via a video link on a massive screen at the theater, Mastracchio offered encouragement to a crowd of 2,500 students and their teachers.

Organizers used the event to show students that they can accomplish anything. A student who attended Waterbury's Chase Elementary School and Crosby, then the University of Connecticut, could make it to outer space.

Mayor Neil O'Leary asked students to tell their families about the event, that they were able to talk to a city native in outer space.

“I think what we learned today from Astronaut Rick is follow your dreams,” said Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, D-5th District, helping close out the ceremony.

Students clapped and cheered through the event. For them, it was far more than another assembly. For some, it showed that anything is possible -- with a lot of work.