Three Ballakermeen High School students are set to represent the island at this year’s United Space School (USS) in Houston, Texas, marking the 25th anniversary of the Manx scholarship programme.
Guy McGuinness, Hollie Patterson-Hannay, and Patrick Williams secured the prestigious scholarships, awarded by River Advisers, which has sponsored sixth-form students since 2000.
The Year 12 pupils won an essay competition and will collaborate with peers from 20 countries on a simulated Mars mission, guided by NASA experts.
They will be in Texas from July 13–28.
Encouraging
Guy, studying maths, physics, and economics, said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting and working with likeminded students from across the globe.
“Attending USS will give me a look into which career path I want to take, possibly encouraging me to enter aerospace engineering.”
Hollie, taking physics, maths, and sociology, added: “I’m excited to meet people from all around the world who share common interests. Space School will provide me with an insight as to what people with these careers do.”
Patrick, studying maths, chemistry, and German, said: “Learning from some of the best engineers and former astronauts will be fascinating. I’m hoping Space School will open my eyes to different types of engineering.”
Proud
River Advisers CEO Alexis Martin said: “We are proud to have reached the landmark of a quarter of a century of sending Isle of Man students to Space School.”
Dr Stone praised the competition entries as “well-researched, insightful, and thought-provoking”.
Minister Daphne Caine added: “It was a tremendous achievement in the first place to establish these scholarships during the early years of the business, but to still be so dedicated to providing Isle of Man students with such a superb opportunity is a testament to everyone involved at River Advisers over the last 25 years.”
8 Comments