CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In less than a week, students at Walter G. Byers Elementary will be able to say they've met an astronaut.

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As a part of NASA awareness week in Charlotte, N.C., astronaut Leland Melvin will talk to a group of around 75 kindergarteners through fifth-graders during a school assembly. A veteran of two space flights, Melvin has logged more than 565 hours in space. As co-manager of NASA's Educator Astronaut Program, he has traveled across the county engaging thousands of students and teachers in the excitement of space exploration, and inspiring them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Melvin started his career at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., where he began working in fiber optics. In 1998, he was chosen by Johnson Space Center for astronaut training. Since then, Melvin has served the Astronaut Office Space Station Operations Branch, the Education Department at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C., and the Robotics Branch of the Astronaut Office.

"I'm excited about the teaching and learning that will take place when Mr. Melvin speaks to our students," said Byers principal Terri Edmunds-Heard. "We are thankful for this learning experience and NASA's support."

Media is invited to attend the assembly at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Walter G. Byers Elementary, located at 1415 Hamilton St. Charlotte, N.C., 28206. Reporters will be able to ask questions following the assembly. For more information, contact Tahira Stalberte with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system at 980-344-0160.

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SOURCE NASA

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