(815)
338-7722
(815)
338-7747
From the moment the Challenger 51-L crew was first announced, people all over the world followed the joys, hopes, and heartbreak of these explorers and their very special mission—the education of our next generation of scientists, engineers, teachers, and yes, even astronauts.
I became convinced that the Challenger Learning Centers were the best environment for teaching science and math, and integrating them into all academic areas. I wanted to be a part of the team. Now, I still think the Learning Centers are first class teaching environments with outstanding professionals.
September 28--Rotary Club of Woodstock provides Challenger Center with $1500 for exhibits!
(Pictured:Steve Otten, Executive Director Challenger Learning Center and Lisa Kelly of Woodstock Rotary)
September 12--Elgin Academy launches the 2007/08 Mission season at the Challenger! "The students did a fantastic job and we are underway for another great year!" stated Windy Krepel, Lead Flight Director for the Challenger Center.
September 10--McHenry County Government provides Challenger Center with 2007/08 Education Grant to be utilized by all McHenry County Public Schools for Missions to be flown at the center!
September 01--Woodstock Rotary Club announces $1500 Grant to Challenger Center for future exhibit enhancements!
August 27--Challenger
Center announces that Corporate
and Community Holiday event dates are now available for your company or
organization. Plan to hold your next holiday party or event at
the Challenger!
August 26--Center
almost ready for 2007/08 Missions! Get ready to blast off!
August 16--During the grand opening of the Woodstock Office Depot store, the Office Depot Foundation presented the Challenger with $500 and multiple backpacks full of school supplies. Thank you Office Depot!
(Pictured: Devin Duckett, district manager, Office Depot; Steve Otten, executive director, Challenger Learning Center; Robert Jarzombek, store manager, Office Depot)
August
7--Congressman
Don Manzullo, Representative of the 16th district,
was on site at the Challenger Learning Center as Cadet Col Marie
Mangano was presented with the General Carl A Spaatz Award.
The
General Carl Spaatz Award is the Civil Air Patrol’s highest
cadet honor. It is presented to cadets who have demonstrated
excellence in leadership, character, fitness, and aerospace
education. On average, only two cadets in one thousand earn
the Spaatz Award. Cadet Mangano is the 1643rd
recipient of the award since it’s inception in 1964. More
significantly, Cadet Mangano is the first female cadet to
receive the Spaatz Award in Illinois in 10 years.
June 28--Young astronauts blast off with the Challenger Learning Center's float. The Challenger Learning Center was one of the more than 50 entries in the annual Dick Tracy Days parade.
(Picture courtesy of The Woodstock Independent Photographer Andrew Shirman)
June 18--Stop by the Dick Tracy Days Parade on Sunday, June 24th to see the Challenger Learning Center space shuttle float!
April 5--Read all about the Challenger Learning Center and Museum of Science & Industry's exciting upcoming Family Science Night in the Woodstock Independent. Join us on April 13 for all the FUN!
January 18--Challenger Learning Center Executive Director, Steve Otten was a guest on WLKG’s “Life Matters” program. Life Matters is a segment that runs on Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. and is hosted by Bill Blakeley and Carrie Cokins. During the interview Steve discussed the very beginning of the Challenger program nationally and in Woodstock. He discussed the simulated space missions that are attended by nearly 10,000 school children every year and the centers ability to inspire kids to pursue careers in math, science & technology. Steve also mentioned that Central Dennison School in Lake Geneva would be attending missions at the center in March of this year for the very first time. Later in the interview Steve spoke about the various public programs at the center including “Family Science Nights” and the new meteorite and earth science exhibit open on Saturdays at the Woodstock center. Steve also mentioned the April science program being given by the Museum of Science & Industry. Steve enjoyed the time spent with Bill & Carrie and found them to be entertaining and informative as well. WLKG broadcasts on 96.1 FM and is located in Lake Geneva, WI.
January 16, 2007--The Challenger Learning Center began Saturday public hours on January 6th. Read about it in the Woodstock Independent.
Additional Information
For Challenger Center media inquiries, please contact Steve Otten, Executive Director via e-mail at sotten@challengerillinois.org or via telephone at (815) 338-7722.
