Astronaut visiting WonderWorks

SYRACUSE, N.Y. » WonderWorks Syracuse is inviting the public to join them to meet an astronaut at their fifth annual WonderKids Awards Programceremony on June 16 at 1 p.m.

The event will be held at WonderWorks, located at 9090 Destiny USA Dr., Syracuse, N.Y., and feature an award ceremony and visit from Dr. Donald Thomas, a former NASA astronaut, with whom people can meet and get their photo taken. Those attending will also be able to learn about his experiences having logged more than 1,040 hours in space.

“This is going to be a very exciting day for everyone who attends,” says Nicole Montgomery, director of operations at WonderWorks Destiny. “We are happy to meet and hear from Dr. Thomas, as well as recognize those students who have been picked for this year’s WonderKids awards.”

The WonderKids Program is held each year, honoring kids from the community who have been chosen to win an award in the area of student achievement. There are three areas where kids will be honored, including academic excellence, service to community, and future scientist. The winners of the program will get a free entrance into the WonderWorks Syracuse summer camp, which focuses on STEM-themed days, including Fidgety Animal Discovery, Tech Eggstravaganza Day, Truck Loads of Slime Day, Going Wild with the Wild Day, and Explosions of Pain Day.

Thomas’ mission is to share his out-of-this-world experiences and inspire kids to learn more about STEM-related topics (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Selected by NASA in January 1990, he became an astronaut in July 1991. During his career there, he spent time in the Safety, Operations, and Payloads Branches of the Astronaut Offices. He was also a spacecraft communicator for several shuttle missions, spent time in various other key roles, and went on four space flights.

“Everyone who visits WonderWorks during this event can have a chance to meet an astronaut,” said Montgomery. “That’s going to be a pretty special day for us, the kids who are proud to present awards to, and everyone who stops in to check it all out.”

For more information, visit www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny/wonderkids/.