A science project designed by Hillcrest students Keltson Howell, Megan Dolle, and Nikos Liodakis is one of 16 nationwide and the only one from Utah selected by the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program to fly on the Space Shuttle Endeavor.
After several days, the Endeavour is scheduled for lift-off on May 16, 2011. The students, for sure, will be watching. Here are their reflections on being part of history, as this mission is Endeavour’s final flight into space.
Keltson Howell
Parents: Blake and Jennifer Howell
School: Hillcrest High School
Class: Junior
“It’s so exciting to be a part of history. Hope all is well at home. P.S. The weather in Florida is so much better than at home!.”
Keltson’s reflections on his Endeavour experience:
I am very excited for this trip. I am so grateful for this fantastic opportunity that I have to further my experience in science, and be able to witness the technological feat of space travel. Not only do I have interests in the aspects of our experiment, but I am also very interested in the engineering and technology involved in space flights. This will be the chance of a lifetime to develop a love for both of these interests. I am so grateful towards my group members, my teachers, and the Student Spaceflight Experiment Program for helping give me the opportunity to participate in such an incredible educational experience. I look forward to examining the results of our experiment and being able to delve deeper into science. This trip really does mean a lot to me. There are so many opportunities for me to further my education in both science and technology. I have always looked towards a career in aeronautical engineering. By being involved with this launch, I will be able to get a closer look at NASA’s space program and learn more about which areas of education I should further myself in. The launch of the space shuttle is a spectacle in and of itself to look forward to. Not many people get the chance to witness the modern miracle of the launching of a man made object into celestial grounds. I can’t wait to hear the roar of the jet engines, and see the flare of the burning fuel. I am really excited for the entire experience and can’t wait until I can look back and see all of the wonderful things that I am able to pull from the experience. Once again I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in helping make this a reality!
