Watch CBS News

New Jersey Middle School Renamed For Alum Buzz Aldrin

MONTCLAIR, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Students walking in the footsteps of the second man to step on the moon cheered as their New Jersey school was renamed after the famous alumnus.

Montclair's Mt. Hebron Middle School on Friday became the Buzz Aldrin Middle School.

"I am just so honored to have this school name after me," Aldrin said at the renaming ceremony. "It's one of the more unique honors that I've received and it's particularly warming because it's here in my hometown."

Aldrin has credited his experience at the school with fueling his interest in science and math.

"This town will continue to make the Buzz Aldrin Middle School the best school and make me proud, and I will do everything I can to help you," Aldrin said.

It is the first school in New Jersey to be named after Aldrin and the third nationwide.

The West Point and MIT graduate followed Neil Armstrong down the ladder of the lunar module to walk on the moon in 1969.

Aldrin also visited Hackensack UMC Mountainside Hospital, where he was born in 1930.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.