Keaau students to unveil space shuttle replica on the 30th anniversary of the Challenger mission
KEAAU – During the
2014-2015 school year, many students at Keaau High School had their lives
turned upside down when the lava flow threatened their community. After
overcoming adversity, the Cougars are soaring to new heights with a reconstruction
of a space shuttle replica, which will be unveiled to the public on Jan. 28,
2016 at 4 p.m.
“I’m extremely proud of our students for their maturity and hard work
in overcoming a stressful situation and turning it into something positive,”
said Principal Dean Cevallos. “The space shuttle project, which was possible through our community partners, is something that not only
our island, but also our state can be proud of. Our students’ talents and
abilities are really highlighted in this reconstruction and show how much they
have matured and grown.”
Last semester, 25 automotive and construction academy
restored a one-of-a-kind space shuttle replica. This project, in conjunction
with the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES),
Hawaii Community College, and the Hawaii Civil Air Patrol was made possible
with the support of many community donors including K. Taniguchi Ltd., KTA
Super Stores, Isemoto Contracting, W.H Shipman, Big Island Toyota/De Luz
Chevrolet and Young Brother’s Shipping Company.
This project unveiling is open to the public on Thursday,
Jan. 28 at 4 p.m. at Keaau High School’s Automotive and Construction Academy.
The event marks the 30th anniversary of the NASA Space Shuttle Orbiter
Challenger mission and will
honor NASA astronaut, hero, and Big Island native Ellison Onizuka, who lost his
life with other crewmembers when the spacecraft failed to launch into outer
space.
To RSVP please email khs.restoringhistory@gmail.com
To RSVP please email khs.restoringhistory@gmail.com