Molly McGarry, a teacher at East Syracuse Elementary, will soon be “taking off” to space academy in Huntsville, Ala., to learn about what it takes to be an astronaut and bring back what she learned to her students.
McGarry applied for and was awarded a scholarship from “Honeywell Educators @ Space Academy,” a program created in partnership with Honeywell and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center to help math and science teachers around the world become more efficient educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) subjects.
“I’m excited, nervous and was shocked,” said McGarry, “I knew there were so many applicants throughout the world, so to be chosen is really an honor … I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
On Friday, June 5, McGarry was presented the flight suit she will be wearing while attending space academy at the final school assembly at East Syracuse Elementary by John McAuliffe, Honeywell Syracuse program director.
“Mrs. McGarry’s acceptance at Honeywell’s Space Academy is certainly very significant because there are thousands of teachers who apply each year and there are only a handful that are selected. To be selected from this very competitive field and attend this wonderful experience is certainly a tremendous accomplishment,” said Superintendent Donna DeSiato at the school assembly.
McGarry is one of three educators in the Syracuse area to have been selected to attend space academy this summer. Sara Pieklik, of Liverpool Middle School, and Kathleen Boyce, of Lincoln Middle School, will also be attending the five-day program.
This year, the program will be sending a total of 204 teachers from 24 countries, including 104 from 39 U.S. states, to attend the program. Teachers are given rigorous training in focused on science and space exploration. The activities these educators will participate in include astronaut-style exercises like high performance jet simulation, land and water survival training, interactive flight dynamics programs and scenario-based space missions.
“I thought it would be a great professional experience and would give me ideas to bring back to the classroom,” said McGarry.
In previous years, Honeywell has previously sent ESM educators, including Carolyn Scott, who was present at the ceremony.
Getting students interested in STEM subjects is something ESM educator Windy Cardarelli did by starting the East Syracuse Elementary Rocket Club, an after-school club for fifth graders who are interested in learning more about space and NASA research. The rocket club was present at the ceremony to ‘send-off’ McGarry.
Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the Eagle Bulletin. She can be reached at [email protected].