The Rocket Boys Honor The Teacher Who Helped Them Reach for the Stars – Pipestem Resort State Park - September 4, 2026

📍McKeever Lodge

Homer Hickam and members of the legendary Rocket Boys will gather at Pipestem Resort State Park for a special Hall of Fame induction ceremony honoring Freida Riley, the teacher who inspired the young students whose story became the basis for Hickam’s Rocket Boys and the beloved film October Sky. Teachers, students, and the general public will have the opportunity to meet The Rocket Boys starting at noon at Pipestem. The ceremony begins at 4 p.m. at the West Virginia Hall of Fame located inside Pipestem Resort’s McKeever Lodge in honor of Ms. Riley, who passed away in 1969 at just 32 years old from complications related to Hodgkin’s disease (Hodgkin’s lymphoma).

The free, family-friendly event is open to everyone and will celebrate Riley’s remarkable legacy while paying tribute to educators everywhere.

Agenda ⏰

12-1 p.m. – Lunch with the Rocket Boys at Black Bear Grill

– Lunch (pizza, chips, and soda) will be a $10 donation to the Pipestem Foundation.

– Limited seating for lunch; please call 304-466-1800 to reserve your seat.

1-2 p.m. – Writing workshop with Homer Hickam, Dreama Denver and R. L Akers

2-3 p.m – Q&A session with the Rocket Boys hosted by Burke Allen

– This will be an interactive session giving guests an opportunity to hear firsthand stories from the legendary group

3-4 p.m. – “Who Is Your Favorite Teacher?” Town Hall, where guests can share stories and memories in honor of the teachers who made a difference in their lives.

4 p.m. – Official induction of Freida Riley into the West Virginia Hall of Fame, featuring special remarks from the Rocket Boys and other guests.

5-6 p.m. – Pipestem’s First Friday Seafood Buffet at the Bluestone Dining Room

7-9 p.m. – Live music by ‘Just Us Live’ on the Black Bear Patio Stage