DELAND, Fla. — From the halls of Deltona High School to the stars, students and staff celebrated one of their own Thursday as astronaut Luke Delaney launched into space with the rest of Crew 13.
The school declared Oct. 1 “Luke Delaney Day,” bringing students together for a watch party to witness the historic launch of the 1997 graduate.
The celebration was complete with space-themed snacks, star-shaped sunglasses, and classroom assignments tied to the mission. Students also had a chance to look back at old yearbooks featuring Delaney during his time at Deltona High.
For students, seeing someone who once walked the same hallways now heading into space was a powerful reminder that big dreams are within reach.
“It makes me feel so inspired to work hard like him and that we can just achieve anything,” student Melanie Milly said.
Principal Christina Lapnow said the school wanted to make the celebration as memorable as the mission itself.
“It’s such an amazing day to celebrate, so we thought if we’re gonna do it, we have to lean into all of the amazing themes that go along with it,” Lapnow said, pointing to the moon pies, Star Crunch snacks, and star-themed glasses.
Delaney’s journey has sparked a sense of hometown pride across the school community.
“Him getting shipped off to space is an inspiring thing to everyone in Deltona and something that we all look forward to,” Milly said.
Lapnow said the mission represents the spirit of adventure, science, and exploration that the school hopes to inspire in its students.
“It really encompasses all of the things that we love — adventure and science and exploration and inspiration and the belief that you really can go to the stars one day,” Lapnow said.
Delaney grew up in DeBary and graduated from Deltona High School in 1997.
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