Forty-nine Branson Schools students boarded a C-130 aircraft on May 19 and landed at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX to experience the Tribute to Valor Foundation’s STEM-Liner IV. The “STEM-Liner Experience” is an immersive event designed to empower young people interested in positively impacting the world through the pursuit of careers in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics.
Students participated in STEM activities facilitated by Microsoft Innovative Educators, Avalon Carver and Science Enthusiasts, while attending hands-on learning sessions at Space Center Houston. Hearing from engineers, astronauts, pilots, Medal of Honor recipients, and STEM professionals students learned about STEM careers, character development, and leadership.
“This trip has opened up my perspective on STEM careers, which before this, I most likely would've shut down,” says BHS Junior, Kamden Sutton. “I am looking forward to exploring my options as I make decisions on where I'm headed in the next year.”
Six educators from Branson Schools chaperoned the students, including Branson High School Principal, Dr. Jack Harris.
"From shaking hands with Medal of Honor recipients to participating in hands-on learning activities and taking in everything the STEM-Liner experience had to offer, I'm extremely proud of how our students represented Branson Schools," says Dr. Harris.
The Tribute to Valor Foundation was founded in 2018 as an all-volunteer organization focused on influencing, impacting and inspiring students involved in STEM curriculum. The Foundation’s goal is to help students understand and engage the six core values of the Medal of Honor: Courage, Sacrifice, Patriotism, Citizenship, Integrity and Commitment.