Senior Wins Right Stuff Award at Space Camp

In late August, Senior Christina Rose flew to Huntsville, Alabama to attend the Advanced Space Academy. The week-long program explores college and career preparation through an immersive experience in science, technology, engineering and math. The participants trained as astronauts in low-gravity environments, simulated several missions on NASA’s space shuttle, and learned more about the bright future of space travel.

During graduation, Christina’s team earned the Commander’s Cup patch for the highest achieving team. Then Christina was called back to the podium to receive the Right Stuff Award. This medal is given to the outstanding trainee who best exemplifies the courage, integrity, and excellence of early space explorers and test pilots.

Christina, who plans on majoring in either aerospace or mechanical engineering in college, said the week-long program was one of the best experiences of her life. “I am very honored to have received the Right Stuff award. I’ve been setting my sights on the stars my entire life,” she said. “Everyone had a similar passion for space, engineering, and astronaut training, and it was fantastic to be a part of such a united team. My grandfather earned one of the first Master Missileman ratings awarded in the USAF during the 1950s and I’d like to follow in his footsteps when it comes to contributing to the legacy of space exploration.”