Two Middle School Students “Take Off” This Spring with Support from Space & Rocket Center, Honeywell, and Local Organizations
Honeywell Educator @ Space Academy alumna and West Genesee Middle School teacher Sue Bingham announced that seventh grade students Daniel Pesci and Kaitlin Holdrege have been selected to attend a six-day Space Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Scholarships to attend the program come from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and Honeywell.
During the school’s event Camillus Town Supervisor Mary Ann Coogan read a proclamation from Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney declaring May 5th, 2011 “Daniel Pesci and Kaitlin Holdrege Space Academy Day.”
“I am happy and honored to have this chance to attend the Space Academy. I hope to learn more about aviation and experience the flight simulator,” said Daniel Pesci. “I thank Honeywell, Mrs. Bingham, and all the sponsors for this opportunity.”
Space Academy is designed to support and inspire students to study science, technology, engineering, and math education around the world. During the program, Daniel and Kaitlin will live and work in space conditions operating the Space Station’s life support and crew/equipment support systems and participate in classroom, laboratory, and field training exercises and experiments.
“Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy was a life-changing experience,” said Bingham. “The program taught me new teaching techniques and provided new experiences to share in my classroom as I try to help inspire the next generation. I am extremely excited for our students who will have the opportunity to learn at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Thank you Honeywell for your commitment to STEM education and to you and all of our sponsors for your support so we can send two students on this amazing journey.”
To apply for the scholarships, students answered five essay questions and submitted letters of recommendation from their teachers. Daniel and Kaitlin were chosen by a panel of school administrators and staff members.
In June 2010, Bingham attended Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Out of 200 teachers from 17 countries and 44 states that participated in 2010, Bingham was one of six educators selected to receive the international “Right Stuff Award” based on her leadership skills.
As part of her award, West Genesee Middle School was offered the chance to honor a student with the “Great Stuff Award,” including free tuition to attend Space Academy. Honeywell volunteered to sponsor tuition costs for a second student.
Since the inception of Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy, Honeywell and its employees have sponsored more than 1,448 scholarships for teachers from 43 countries and 50 U.S. states, to participate in the programs. This year, 250 educators will attend the program at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, from June 15 to June 28, 2011 including teachers from 27 countries and 47 states.
The two winners and the 10 students who were runner-ups received a one-year membership to the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) that includes unlimited visits and admission to more than 280 science centers worldwide.
Several local organizations made donations to fund airfare for the two students including: Cam’s Pizzeria, Camillus Elks Women’s Auxiliary, Camillus Optimists Club, Used Car King and West Genesee Middle School PTA. The staff at West Genesee Middle School also organized a “Denim Day” fundraiser.
The students are expected to attend Space Academy later this month or in June.
For more information, please visit www.spacecamp.com/camp/sa or www.spacecamp.com/educators/honeywell.