Rocket Boys honor Freida Riley with induction into West Virginia Hall of Fame at Pipestem.

Freida J. Riley was recently inducted into the West Virginia Hall of Fame at a ceremony held in Pipestem State Park by Homer Hickam and Roy Lee Cooke. Riley, a beloved science teacher at Big Creek High School, played a pivotal role in inspiring Hickam and his friends to pursue their passion for rocket science. She notably intervened to prevent the expulsion of Roy Lee Cooke just days before his graduation, advocating for his future. Riley passed away in 1969 after battling Hodgkin’s disease, continuing to teach until her last days. Her story, along with Hickam’s, is captured in the memoir “Rocket Boys,” which became the film “October Sky,” with Laura Dern portraying her character.