Blessed Trinity Academy student wins full ride to Space Camp
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It’s not the moon, but a trip to Huntsville, Ala., will be nearly as cool for Blessed Trinity Academy eighth-grader Michael Bridgeman.
The 14-year-old won a full-tuition scholarship to Space Camp in Huntsville, home to the second largest research park in America.
Bridgeman, a science enthusiast, will take part in hands-on experiments and learn about the history of space travel and its leadership.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity,” said Bridgeman, of Valencia. “I hope to learn more about space, rockets and astronauts by listening to experts and seeing artifacts.”
Based at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, activities aim to spur imagination and transcend from “What if?” to “Can do,” according to the camp’s website.
Launched in 1982, Space Camp was founded by rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, who led the development of the Apollo-era rockets that took America to the moon, and Edward Buckbee, the first director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Space Camp alumni include NASA and ESA astronauts, engineers, scientists and technologists.
Bridgeman said he is eager to ride in a simulated space mission and view the Saturn V rocket.
“I have always enjoyed learning about science, working on STEM activities and doing experiments,” he said. “I enjoy going to the town of Mars for their Mars New Year’s Celebration.”
Bridgeman’s scholarship was paid by an anonymous donation to Blessed Trinity, which sits along Middle Road in Glenshaw.
Students ages 12 to 14 could apply through a short video explaining why STEM education is important to the future of mankind.
Applicants also had to explain how they might benefit from the experience and how they would share it with others in the community.
Students had to create a planet that could sustain life as part of the process and Bridgeman’s Planet Sram earned the winning nod, Principal Moira Regan Edmiston said.
“Each project was unique and innovative,” she said. “It was a tough decision. But Michael’s 3-D model of Sram included the necessary elements for a life-sustaining creation.”
Teacher Emily Bucha said Bridgeman’s entry was an evidence-based, intricate model that made clear his passion for science “to the point of infectiousness.”
“His work in science class is of the same quality,” Bucha said. “He holds himself to a high standard and takes every opportunity he can to learn.”