Space Center Honors Night. June 3, 2021
The Christa McAuliffe Space Center held its first Honors Night in the new building on June 3, 2021. The event was held in the planetarium. All will agree that never has there been an Honor's Night in the Space Center's 30-year history held in a more luxurious setting; we're talking a 5-star venue. One would have expected spotlights in the parking lot and a red carpet illuminated by hundreds of flashes as the staff and volunteers arrived to learn who would receive what honor. The tension in the air was noticeable as those assembled settled in their seats as the lights dimmed and Mr. James Porter approached the stand.
And as customary in events such as this, Mr. Porter stuck to a long-standing Space Center tradition and dealt with housekeeping issues before the Honors. Of course, everyone who has ever volunteered or staffed the Space Center knows that "A Clean Ship is a Happy Ship" so why the constant reminders? Because everyone suffers from selective memory loss when it comes to cleaning. Playing an Orion Pirate or a deranged Paklid is fun, but cleaning up after the mission...... not so much. All in attendance took a solemn oath to keep the new Space Center and Central School clean, green, and serene.
Other housekeeping items included proper dress and grooming paired with the sensitive topic of showering and the application of deodorant before coming to the Center. Sometimes the best way to say something delicate is to just do it and get it over with. It's like ripping an old bandaid off a newly formed scab. Younglings, you stink if you don't shower, with soap I should add. Do it before you come to the Center to work or volunteer. The Control Rooms, while bigger than the old ones, are still small. Everyone is close, breathing each other's air and smelling what you had for lunch. Be "That Volunteer" flight director's use as the example of how to look and smell.
"See, this is Max. Notice how clean Max looks, and smell that soap and deodorant. Be like Max."
With housekeeping out of the way, Mr. Porter's opening remarks took a different direction. "Who is responsible for what and who do you go to for answers" was the title of the next theme. Take a moment to look at the photo above to refresh your memory. James put himself at the bottom - a clever way of saying not to bother him until everyone above has been approached.
"Mean and Grumpy?" YES - and rightfully so when the air conditioning isn't working in the simulator control rooms and planetarium server room. I don't remember a summer camp season over the last 30 years that didn't have air conditioning problems. It is the nature of the beast.
Tabitha Ricks was next to take the stage. She introduced the congregation to the Center's new volunteers. Very few knew who they were, but the introduction garnered polite applause.
In that list of names could be a future flight or set director. Perhaps even Mr. Porter's replacement as Center Director several years from now. Everyone, even Mr. Porter, started as a new volunteer and had to maneuver their way to the positions they occupy now through hard work, showering, and using deodorant.
Speaking of people who've worked hard and worked their way up the ladder...... Mr. Porter then introduced us to those who've been accepted into the staff training school. Each person on that list has demonstrated a willingness to learn what it takes to become Space Center great along with outstanding personal grooming and cleanliness.
New staff was introduced at Honor's Night. The room grew strangely quiet as the list appeared on the dome. Who was this Mr. Williamson? Who was this "Victor"? Could they be one and the same? It's the circle of life is it not? The guy who founded the Center, directed it for 23 years, and then retired? Is he back?
Well...... you bet I'm back and very proud indeed to wear a lanyard with an Alpine School District employee badge housed in one of those computerized door opening things. You want to see me smile, just stop me and ask how it feels to be wearing that badge and I'll tell you that it is an honor to be working side by side with some of the finest young people in Utah all gathered in one place to bring the Space Center's unique happiness and learning to Utah's students.
The Space Center's Set Directors each took to the podium to describe their simulators; how each is different in its own way. Brylee went first. She is the Galileo's Set Director.
Jordan Smith is the Phoenix's Set Director.
After his description of the Phoenix, he presented a Phoenix 2nd Chair pass to Cecily H.
Connor Larsen is the Magellan's Set Director. He spoke of the Magellan's new method for organizing crew bridge positions.
Jon Parker is the Cassini's Set Director. He spoke about bringing back the Voyager's old missions and how the Casini was the perfect ship to do that. As a passing note, he mentioned the fact that I had been assigned to the Cassini as a new trainee. "I'll guess we'll see if you can teach an old dog new tricks," he said sarcastically. Afterward, I noticed him in the lobby going from Set Director to Set Director reminding them of favors owed. It was obvious he was trying to pawn me off to another ship. They wouldn't hear of it and, as a group, reminded Jon of the privilege it was for the Cassini to be blessed by my years of wisdom and experience :) Jon, I promise to keep you supplied with Dr. Pepper and will, to the best of my ability, remember to shower, shave, accessorize and deodorize before coming to the Cassini and sitting next to you. Deal?
Mr. Porter rose to his feet and gave a heartful endorsement for the soon-to-be-launched Falcon simulator - his baby - his dream ship.
I missed getting pictures of Natalie giving her speech as Set Director of the Odyssey.
Several volunteers received their Apprentice Badges at this Honor's Night.
As I stated before, watch for good things to come from these young recruits.
Cecily received the next-level award for volunteering. I don't remember what it was but I'll get it sorted out and make a correction to this post. Sorry, Cecily.
Wes and Marissa were awarded another volunteering badge. Congratulations (I'll get it sorted then posted correctly)
Mr. Porter presented Scott with his Flight Director Navy Blues at this Honor's Night. Scott is the Phoenix's newest flight director and joins Jordan and Mason at the helm of the ship.
What a gathering of talent! Look at these 5-year pin recipients. The simulators couldn't function without them, no doubt about it. I've had the privilege of working with most of them. The others I've watched as they've worked. They are dedicated to the Center and its mission. We are blessed to have them on staff.
The Highlight of the Evening. The Awarding of the 10 Year Pins to Connor Larsen and Natalie Anderson.
Has it been 10 years since these two first darkened the Space Center's doors? They came in under my watch. Natalie was one of those Andersons, sister to Brent and Alex. I knew she had to be good - and I was right. Natalie was, is, and will continue to be a Space Center star. The Odyssey is her home and that will always be the case. Even though she is one of the busiest people I know, she always seems to have time for the Space Center.
Connor was the mystery. He was this little ball of enthusiasm and energy and thanks to many excellent mentors, he has grown to become a remarkable man with numerous talents. The other day I sat in the Magellan Control Room and watched him train a Magellan Flight Director Want - to - be. His training style was textbook perfect. I would have told him so right then and there but compliments have a way of inflating Connor's head to dangerous levels so we keep them to a minimum and never ever give them during a mission.
One More Thing.... A Tribute to Mr. James Porter
James (Mr. Porter) was taken by surprise by this last slide in the stack. Tabitha interrupted his closing remarks and asked him to stand aside. She took the podium and spoke for everyone in the room, thanking Mr. Porter for everything he has done, and continues to do, to make the Space Center what it is today. James already knows I'm his greatest fan but it is always good to learn that I'm not the only one. He is remarkable and has taken the Space Center to new heights. I couldn't have timed my retirement better, because it was just at that point in his career where he could move his family to Pleasant Grove from Logan to assume the Space Center's directorship. Thank you Mr. Porter for what you do and who you are. And so say we all!
Week's before Honor's Night, the staff had a painting party at the home of Matt and Tabitha Ricks. Each was given a canvas on which to paint a picture to adorn the big blank curved wall in Mr. Porter's office. He appeared to be very grateful for the sentiment (whether he really liked the art is still yet to be determined).
Last, but not least..... Goodbye Sam
Sam Golding is about to leave for the mission field. He attended Honor's Night with his dad as his companion (he is doing the home MTC experience). He took a moment to thank James for his mentorship and friendship. James will agree with me when I say that things like this make teachers proud.
It is another payday for us.
It was an Honor's Night for the record book. Thank you to all who attended and a "We Missed You!" to those who could not.
Mr. Williamson
Imaginarium Theater
The Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience.
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