HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Sixteen young students spent their summer among the stars.
The students; recipients of an Air, Space, and Missile Defense Association, or ASMDA, scholarship; had a chance to spend a week at Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville June 29-July 3.
On July 1, the scholarship winners were treated to lunch by members of the ASMDA board and had a chance to speak with those who made the week possible.
Col. Dewey A. Granger, chief of staff, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, told the Space Camp scholarship winners someday they may be the ones leading America back to the moon or beyond.
"Don't limit yourself, explore your world and ask questions," Granger said. "Whether you want to become an astronaut, an engineer, a Soldier or something else, greatness in life, regardless of your pursuit, requires you to work hard and learn, then to think.
"Let your curiosity guide you, and drive you to understand about the universe and the worlds beyond this one," he added. "You owe it to yourself to always be curious and to seek answers -- possibly to questions we don't even know to ask yet. Space Camp is designed to help you explore that curiosity. In order to do things that have never been done, we need smart young men and women, just like you, who are curious about our universe. You all have it in you to be astronauts, mathematicians, scientists, Soldiers or whatever you want to be in life but you have to work hard, never quit, always remain curious and do one more positive thing every day."
Since 1996, ASMDA has sponsored children, ages 9-11, of a parent or guardian currently assigned to the USASMDC/ARSTRAT; Program Executive Office, Missiles and Space; Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense; Missile and Space Intelligence Center; NASA Marshall Space Flight Center; and Missile Defense Agency, whether military or government civilian, for their Space Camp scholarship.
The 16 Space Camp students this year are from Madison, Harvest, Hazel Green and Huntsville; Fort Greely and Delta Junction, Alaska; Peyton, Colorado; White Plains, Maryland; Centreville, Virginia; and Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands. They are: Meghan Aughtman, Ian Bohne, Grace Cardinale, Neha Chopade, Puja Chopade, Summer Collins, Pierce Dalton, Victor Dunagan, Jenna Gray, Shelby Markham, Nathaniel Merchant, Sohan Mynampally, Cheyenne Paine, Rome Reece, Emily Willcockson and Kaelan Wilson.
"ASMDA is very proud to have awarded 16 Space Camp scholarships to kids of your caliber," said Alvin R. Kemmet, Jr., ASMDA president. "You represent our future in science, technology, engineering and math. You should feel very proud of yourselves as this year had the most nomination packages than any other year in recent memory. Your report card grades were outstanding and your essays showed the passion that each one of you has for space and science.
"I know as you finish up your week of space camp, you'll look back on this time as one of the favorite memories in your life and the making of life-long friends," he added. "Who knows, you just may be on a future space shuttle mission or trip to Mars together."
Students were selected for the scholarship based on an essay, school grades, interest in science and space, and financial need. The scholarship covers one week at Space Camp, travel, a flight suit, clothing package, a calling card and spending money.
Granger talked to the campers and told them how proud everyone was of them for being selected and congratulated them on receiving the ASMDA scholarships.
"I'm glad to see so many happy faces," Granger said. "This is a great week and I am excited to talk with you today. Congratulations on being selected to attend Space Camp. You and your families should be very proud of this wonderful accomplishment. Space Camp teaches teamwork, decision-making, and leadership, skills that will stay with you long after you leave here.
"A special thanks to the Air Space and Missile Defense Association for sponsoring these 16 young individuals to attend Space Camp, thank you for believing in our future," he added. "I would like to thank the U.S. Space and Rocket Center for providing a place where children, both young and old, can learn about space exploration."
After the luncheon, some of the campers spoke about what they had learned and how excited they were to be at Space Camp.
"My favorite part of Space Camp is making new friends," said camper Emily Willcockson. "I am so glad I came and I am excited I got to be here. The simulators are a lot of fun and I am thankful I received the scholarship to be here. I want to thank everyone who let us come to Space Camp."
During the week, the children participated in activities, including rocket construction and launch, water activities, a simulated Space Shuttle mission, Mars mission simulators, Manned Maneuvering Unit, Multi-Axis Trainer, and enjoyed an IMAX movie.
"I really liked the simulations," said camper Grace Cardinale from. "It has been fun learning about space and meeting lots of new friends. I think everyone should be able to come here and learn about space. It is really cool."
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