CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the record-breaking Artemis II mission inspires millions around the world, some of Central Florida’s little space enthusiasts are getting some well-deserved recognition too.
A special awards ceremony Thursday at Kennedy Space Center celebrated some of the Space Coast’s brightest young minds.
More than 500 fifth and sixth graders Thursday came to the Center for Space Education next to the KSC Visitor Complex to be awarded.
“I like all the opportunities we get to be invested in space,” student Avery Cleveland told your Cape Canaveral Community Correspondent James Sparvero.
For the last year, students like Cleveland and Delia McNally from Christa McAuliffe Elementary in Palm Bay have been working together on science projects with a theme their heroes would find inspiring - exploring the moon.
Space Coast congressman Mike Haridopolos (R-Brevard County) and Brevard County school board members like Katye Campbell gave out the honors.
“This is the future of America right behind me, and these kids have done an amazing job,” Haridopolos said.
The awards are a partnership with Boeing too.
“We are very excited to support this program, especially because it’s helping students to inspire them as to what their future can be,” senior community investor Danielle Getty said.
Haridopolos said a future astronaut could be in the room.
“They’re gonna be the ones landing on Mars someday,” the congressman said.
And there’s one more special contest the students can win.
Thursday night, Rep. Haridopolos is talking to the Artemis II astronauts, and he’s picking his favorite questions submitted by students to ask the crew.
Here’s a supportive message the students Sparvero talked to would like to send to Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.
“I love what you’re doing,” Delia McNally said. “I hope you continue it in the future. Hope you get back safe.”