Harris teacher Dan Hopson (left) holds a plaque recognizing him for his efforts to get students to participate in an ARISS radio program that allowed them to chat with an astronaut on the International Space Station. Hopson worked diligently to make it happen and secured a grant. Students applaud his recognition and Marvin Hoffman (right) looks on. (MNJ)
The International Space Station may be many miles away, but for Harris Middle School students, it was closer than ever during the “Ask an Astronaut” event on Oct. 11.
Through Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, students had a question-and-answer session with astronaut Robert Hines. Students picked his brain about life as an astronaut, what inspired his career choice, his taste in science fiction movies and more.
Students rotated through a list of 17 questions and ended each question with the key phrase.
“Over.”
Students Zion Stewart, Regan Woodlief, Ethan Hopson, Eli Hughes, Lily Glenn, Avery Porter, Alyssa Hughes, Oliver Sparks, Bryson Stafford, Mary Grace Davis, Ireland Mahaffey, Truman Huskins, Graham Buchanan, William Barrow, Jacob McKinney, Freddie Jackson, Wyatt McFee, Kyndal Ferris, Damon Penny and Levi Bowman all asked questions.
Harris faculty and staff, including Dan Hopson, Rodney Smith, Nichole Lewis, Samantha Kirk, Nell English, Haley Daniels, Zeb Sturgill, Eddie Silvers and Shana Cook, participated and guided the students.
Prior to communicating with Hines over the radio, Freddie Jackson presented his International Space Station-inspired art and Jacob McKinney, William Barrow and Eli Hughes presented their study on the novel “Endurance.” Students also viewed a Tim Peake video.
Bob Koepke, Marvin Hoffman, Tammy Hopson, Brannon Young, Martha Muir, Bill Morine and Max Hopper were participating guests.
Dan Hopson, a STEM teacher at Harris, was instrumental in setting up the talk with Hines. Competition to land a chance to talk to an astronaut is fierce, but through Hopson’s diligence and copious paperwork, it became reality for his school.
Harris is the only school in the Carolinas to receive an invitation. The students had prepared for the opportunity for weeks. Only 20-25 schools are selected annually nationwide.
Hopson was recently recognized as the Harris Middle Teacher of the Year.
“Truly well-deserved,” said Rodney Smith, Harris principal. “This opportunity was provided by a grant that Mr. Hopson applied for several months ago, then began building antennas to adapt to this event.”
ARISS lets students worldwide experience the excitement of talking to International Space Station crew members, inspiring them to pursue interests in STEM careers.