Today, Governor Roy Cooper honored NASA Astronaut and North Carolina Native Christina Koch for her accomplishments and celebrated North Carolina’s STEM education programs and strong public schools. During the event, Governor Cooper presented NASA Astronaut Koch with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s Highest Honorary Society. The Governor was joined by Congresswoman Deborah Ross and other elected officials, educators, scientists and a third grade class from The Exploris School – a public charter school in downtown Raleigh.