And just like that, the summer was gone. The starships at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center did their duty ferrying hundreds of 10 to 15 year olds on adventures from one sphere of space time to another, across the vast galactic realms, facing nearly impossible adversaries brought to life in living color by the talented staff and volunteers.
Tradition calls for the gathering of tribes to celebrate the season's achievements. And so the call went forth calling all chieftains and clans to the gathering place to honor those who found glory in story and to say farewell to others who heard the siren's call and set sail into the ocean of possibilities.
Shall we begin?
Honors Night: The Clans Gather
The call to assemble came shortly after 7:00 P.M. by Chieftain Porter. Most clansman sat with their kin. The log nearest the fire was by tradition held for the elders, namely myself and Jade of the MacHansens.
The first item for discussion was general cleanliness. "Aye, let there be a clean campsite for a nod’s as guid as a wink tae a blind horse," Chieftain Porter emphasized. Most were quick to understand the remarks were steered toward the barbarians of Icewind Dale who are not remembered for knowing that place for everything.
Speaking of the Barbarians of Icewind Dale, the next topic for the gathering was personal cleanliness.
"Are ye saying we foul the wind?" said the Icewind Chief, who, may it be said, sat mysteriously alone. "Yer bum's oot the wind with that remark!"
Chieftain Porter thought a moment before replying, "Look abut ye man - a lesson is ta be learned."
Clan growth was highlighted. Volunteer numbers hit the century mark and those on staff are at 33.
The camps for the wee bairns was pure dead brilliant! Soon the bairns will be properly trained to deal with the English.
Matthew of the northern MacRicks and his braw engineers were celebrated. They made a gadget for the Galileo which supposedly can turn water into wine. It is also good at re-inverting the bionic electro-ceramic bio-containers, and detecting anomolous power signatures in the tantulum containment core booster.
Galileo Honors
Brylee of the Bally MacPerrys awarded Kayla and Aiden their Galileo pass pins.
Phoenix Honors
Silver of the Strathclyde MacPerrys was quick to shake the hands of Jackson, Michael, and Brylee on the occasion of their receiving the Phoenix pass pin.
Odyssey Honors
Mitch, the new Odyssey chief, brought Kayla back to the floor for the presenting of the Odyssey pass pin.
Magellan Honors
Tyler, the new Magellan chief, presented his picks for the Magellan pass pins: Aiden, Noah, Michael, and Amberly.
Aiden, Jackson, Kayla, Micah, Michael, and Rachel. Jon at the front
Missing is Emily W.
Cassini Honors
Jon, of the Highland MacParkers, was rumored to be lookin a bit peely-wally in the head for delivering so many to the floor for their Cassini pass pins.
"Ma hied's mince," said one wee bairn behind me, "How's this possible."
"Keep yer head," I answered back. "Each one is well deserved. That Jon knows how to steer a cart across a balley tempest." And with that said, the matter was dropped.
Apprentice (100 volunteer hours)
Called to the floor to receive their Apprentice patches were Addison P., Alex R., Amberly P., Grace M., Micah C., Mo' W., Nathaniel G., Porter C., Rachel J., and Sterling D.
5 Years of Service Award
Micah C., and Jeff G., both were awarded their 5 year recognition at the gathering. Jeff wasn't in attendance. Micah of the Shetland MacCleggs was and took the hand of Chieftain Porter in gratitude. Micah was asked to make a wee speech. He did and did himself proud. There were no slurrings and no cussing which all know is common among the MacCleggs.
The Starfighters (2 years volunteering)
A Starfighter, what every wee bairn wants to be when they grow up. Ten reached that level in volunteer service over the last several months and were honored at the gathering.
The Hitchhikers
While not a flattering name, it is an honor nevertheless. These four have gone above and beyond in volunteer service and hours and reach Hitchhiker status. As Chieftain Porter said, "The Space Center would be nothing without the volunteers." The gathering thanked them for their service.
Defender of the Universe
What a thing to put on Jackson's cv, "Defender of the Universe". What future university or employer could let his resume pass without notice?
"So Jackson, I see that you are a Defender of the Universe. Please explain."
To which Jackson will reply, "Do you have an hour and a surviving sense of wonder?"
Congratulations Jackson on your achievement! And let it be said that the volunteer hours spent to receive this award do not include the many many many many many hours he spent on trains and busses to get to the Space Center. What a kid!
Time Lord
The gathering of the clans sat in reverent silence for JJ as his tribute played across the planetarium screen. He started as a wee bairn ten years ago just barely able to lift a battle axe and now commands starships.
I've had the pleasure to work alongside JJ in the Cassini. His imagination and drive to innovate and improve the work we do at the Space Center is impressive and exhausting. Right now we're teaching him this simple phrase: "Let's think this through." :)
JJ, you keep thinking outside the box: "Innovate, Improve, or get out the way" is his slogan of the day. Congratulations JJ.
Mentor
Aiden received his Supervisor Blues at Honor's Night as a Mentor.
New Trainees
Addison and Micah are both inducted into the Trainees, meaning they've impressed the Center's Set Directors with their talent to the point where they will be taken under someone's wing and trained in the Ways of the Warrior.
And if you're wondering, Micah did his best to steal all the thunder at the gathering.
New Set Directors
There were two new set directors named at Honor's Night. Their appointment deserves a separate post so look for that next week.
Summer's Lord of the Votes
Jackson, Amberly, and Michael
What grand titles for the summer's Lord of the Votes winners. Here they are, the best of the best at smoozing up to the campers with things like, "Hey lookin good, are you loosing weight?" and "Hey, between you and me, we all think you're the best on the crew. Keep that between us - ok."
In reality, they got top votes for being good at what they do, tending to the campers and playing great acting rolls. Congratulations!
Top Flight Director for the Summer
Scott, I surrender any hope I may have now, and in the future of ever beating you at Top Flight Director. You are the one, the man, the Supremo of Supremos, the Keeper of the Mic, the Voice of Voices, the true Troubadour!
There, I said it. Scott can now fade into the sunset a happy man.......... Congratulations Scott; the honor is well deserved. You are truly gifted in the control room. Come watch Scott fly the Phoenix if you want to see a master craftsman at work.
The Best Summer Story
I wrote both the USS Canada and The Fugitive so I'm happy to see the Fugitive in 2nd place. Hey, all the summer missions did great - just look at the point spread. It isn't that much.
Let us all congratulate the Odyssey on Plight of Thieves. I've not see the mission but it must be fantastic!
Mitch, Lindsey, and Nolan. Absent is Natalie.
The Odyssey's Flight Directing Staff
Top Simulator
Mitch, Hayden, and Audrey. Absent; Scott
The Phoenix Staff
Top Ship for the Summer Camp Season
It couldn't go to a better ship. The Phoenix has truly found its place in the Space Center's history book. Congratulations Silver (Set Director) and staff for an outstanding job in leading the way. Top simulator and Top Flight Director, the perfect combination.
Just remember this old saying, "Uneasy is the head that wears the crown." There are rumors afloat that clandestine meetings are being held in dark alleyways and unsavory pubs regarding next summer's missions. Mind you, just rumors.
Final Words from the Chieftain to the Clans
The evening ended with a few wee words from the Chieftain, James MacPorter. "Look ye at comparisons from the last year to this. What a bonnie summer its been. Now put that in yer bonnet as ye take to the road and remember to haste ye back. The wind is blowing words of a busy school year so yer strong arm and back are needed. Now go and don't dawdle too long, yer rides may be waitin."
And with that the gathering dismissed.
Mr. Williamson's Imaginarium Theater
The Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience
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