When the opportunity presented itself to dedicate a satellite, Walt Everetts, Vice President of satellite and ground operations at Iridium NEXT, knew exactly who to pick for the honor.

Everetts’ wife, Maria, is a math teacher at Fountain Hills High School and, along with the other teachers at FHHS, on Aug. 1 she reported back to campus to prepare for the new school year.

The day back started with an all staff meeting in the library which ended with Everetts, his youngest son and Mayor Ginny Dickey coming out to surprise Maria with the announcement that he had dedicated a satellite to her, along with all the educators of Fountain Hills.

The plaque mounted on one of the 75 communication satellites that Iridium NEXT launched this year is inscribed with this passage:

“I dedicate this plaque to the educators in Fountain Hills, Arizona, and all the teachers around the world that make dreams a reality everyday but especially Maria Everetts. A teacher. My wife. My best friend. Teachers touch everything. They mold and inspire. They give much of themselves to better this world in ways that spark imagination, foster creativity and propel knowledge on this planet and beyond. Without teachers and others in the education profession this satellite would never be possible.”

Along with the satellite dedication, Everetts was also able to obtain a commendation from the governor’s office recognizing the dedication.