Texas Students Meet for Space Congressional Advisory Council Meeting

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX-36) issued the following release today on the inaugural meeting of his student space advisory caucus held on Friday, March 2, 2018, in Nassau Bay, Texas.

The Students for Space Congressional Advisory Council (SSCAC) is comprised of high school juniors from public, private, and homeschools across Rep. Babin’s Congressional District. Each school had the opportunity to nominate one student to participate and serve on this council.

Students were chosen based on their academic standing, their focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and in many cases, their strong interest in our nation’s space program.

Rep. Babin spoke to the group about America’s space program, his role as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Space, congratulated them on their SSCAC selection, and encouraged them to pursue STEM in college and consider a future role in our space program.

“I truly enjoyed meeting this group of exceptional students,” said Rep. Babin. “We are so proud of their participation in this council. These bright young individuals represent the future – a generation who will be at the forefront as the U.S. returns to the Moon and moves humans deeper into space.”

The day-long meeting included speakers from industry and NASA. Boeing’s Matt Duggan, Shuttle Astronaut Karen Nyberg, and NASA Flight Director and Acting Deputy Chief of the Flight Director’s Office Emily Nelson spoke about various aspects of our nation’s space program, including current challenges and initiatives.

Senior Advisor for Space Policy, Jeannie Kranz, from Rep. Babin’s staff, closed out the day. She shared some of her many experiences in the space program – from what it is like being the daughter of famed Apollo 13 NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz to trying to find her place and make her own contributions to the space industry. Kranz conveyed to the students how critically important it is to find their career interests and gain exposure to opportunities via internships or job shadowing.

“Our meeting was insightful and the experience was definitely one to remember,” noted Alayna Walston, West Hardin High School.

“The kickoff went great and it definitely opened my eyes and perspective of what I’d like to pursue as a career,” said Marcos Godinez, Premier High School of Dayton-Charter.

SSCAC representatives from across the district include:

• Nathan Bernardez, Pasadena Memorial High School;
• Brooke Byley, Woodville High School;
• Brandon Curl, Bridge City High School;
• Landon Flowers, Buna High School;
• Juston Freeman, Spurger High School;
• Marcos Godinez, Premier High School of Dayton;
• Zachary Kelly, Anahuac High School;
• Jacob Lee, Newton High School;
• Jasmin Manzano, Warren High School;
• Tyson McMahon, Grace Homeschool Co-Op;
• David Montoya, IMPACT Early College High School;
• Kara Olson, Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School;
• Ashlyn Overstreet, Chester High School;
• Ashley Peaster, Lumberton High School;
• David Thompson, Corrigan-Camden High School;
• Alayna Walston, West Hardin High School;
• Emily Eddins, Colmesneil High School;
• Kameron Frischenmeyer, Hull-Daisetta High School; and
• Nathan Vaughn, Tyler County Homeschool Fellowship.

“I really enjoyed learning more about NASA and hearing from people who are leaders in the space program. They definitely opened my eyes to what’s really going on and what we as a nation might accomplish someday,” stated David Thompson, Corrigan Camden High School.

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