Dr. Sally K. Ride Elementary School in Germantown hosted an event Thursday to celebrate the release of the Dr. Sally Ride quarter honoring the trailblazing figure.
In 1983, Ride became the first American woman in space. Speakers during Thursday’s ceremony emphasized Ride’s impact as an inspiration for girls.
The United States Mint issues the special coins as part of the American Women Quarters Program. Ride is the second woman to be honored as part of the program. Writer Maya Angelou was the first. The U.S. Mint says consult your local bank about availability of the Dr. Sally Ride quarter.
Ride passed away in 2012 at age 61 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. After her death, it was revealed she was life partners with Tam O’Shaughnessy, who together with Ride co-founded the company Sally Ride Science.
O’Shaughnessy gave virtual remarks in a video message during Thursday’s event.
