It was an intensive eight-week program that ended with the recognition of Vina T.R.A.C.K.S. – eight weeks that taught the middle schoolers a great deal of STEM principles.

T.R.A.C.K.S. students “graduated” from their NASA program in a ceremony Thursday, cheered on by all their classmates. Each student was presented with a certificate by 4-H STEM Agent Jacob Blacklidge and teacher Paula Jackson.

“They gained a lot of experience with collaborating and being hands-on. They were engaged every minute, it seemed like,” Jackson said. “It was crazy busy. I think it helped them to see that there are a lot of jobs out there, a lot of career choices, and I think at least six of them are going to be NASA scientists. They loved it.”

The students got to talk with NASA engineers and other personnel about their projects, which included designing a to-scale Crew Exploration Vehicle and pressure suits for astronauts, incorporating skills like data gathering and following a design process.

“It opened their minds to different activities and careers in the space industry,” Cole-Coffey said. “We (at the Extension) basically take our knowledge and expertise to the students, so what we teach them is to given the concept, and then it’s up to them to take it on and go further with it. Since these kids have had a taste of NASA and STEM, we hope they will pursue education or careers in the space industry.”

Cole-Coffey and Blacklidge are thanked and recognized for their support of this program for the Vina students.

Student participants included Camron Burks, Megan Dill, Hunter Emerson, Tristan Martello, Madison Welch, LaDava Davis, Brady Hardin, Kaley Attaway, Faith Haas, Billy Horton, Justin Sparks, Amy Colvin, Morgan Miller, Donald Garrett, Mary Tollison, Hunter Griffith, Molly Dill, Cheyenne Davidson, Baylie Scott and Autumn Stidham.

Cole-Coffey commended Blacklidge for the superior job he did in taking on this new program.

Vina Principal James Pharr thanked everyone who was involved in leading the program and commended the students on their efforts. “I think it was a great thing,” Pharr said. “These kids have been really excited. The more motivated you can get them, the better things are. A lot of these kids wouldn’t have had the chance to do this. It’s been a really good thing.”