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| Bill Schuler, a Zod Congregant, Welcomes Lorraine Houston into the Fellowship |
Lorraine Houston is the newest Congregant of The Congregation of Zod, the galaxy's elite society dedicated to honoring those who've made significant impacts in the field of simulator based experiential education. The induction ceremony was held at Honor's Night on May 24th at Central Elementary School in Pleasant Grove, home to the Christa McAuliffe Space Center. She was speechless, at first; refusing to believe she was worthy of such accolades. The tears came once she realized she was the receiver of the same award as Dr. Marcus of the Romulan Academy of Science. I'm not sure the tears were from happiness or revulsion.
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| Dr. Marcus, a distasteful person, of the Romulan Science Academy Angry over the induction of another human in the Congregation of Zod |
The Silver Chalice of Zod comes from a mission I wrote early in the 1990's called "Supernova". The Romulan antagonist is called Dr. Marcus. He is a member of the Romulan Academy of Sciences. He is proud, conceited, arrogant, and condescending to humans - the ultimate definition of racist. Near the beginning of the mission, Dr. Marcus has the occasion to speak to the captain or ambassador. He asks the captain to list his qualifications concerning the scientific investigation of an upcoming, predicted supernova. The captain is usually speechless; which gives Dr. Marcus the opportunity to list his accomplishments and accolades in agonizing detail. "I was awarded the Silver Chalice of Zod. I was awarded the Five Golden Rings of Trivioli..." he boasts.
Years later, I decided to create a yearly award to honor one individual who exemplified the spirit of the Space Center. Someone who had volunteered their time and talents to further our cause. During a telling of Supernova, I was inspired by dear Dr. Marcus and felt that if he was worthy of the Silver Chalice of Zod, then why not one of our own? The rest, of course, is history.
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| Kirby Glad Receiving the Silver Chalice of Zod Many Years Ago at a Similiar Honor's Night |
Having two congregants (Bill Schuler and Lorraine Houston) in one place at one time has been known to cause a brief, microscopic breach in the space/time continuum. Which is why all such gatherings are forbidden without prior approval and proper safety precautions followed.
Releasing these pictures to the general public was a risk the Troubadour's editorial staff chose to take. It may not be prudent to reveal the identities of such august Zods, but the public's right to know outweighs their privacy. Knowing that Lorraine Houston as ascended allows the staff and volunteers at the Space Center to show appropriate respect by moving to one side of the hallway and slightly bowing as she passes. Mr. James Porter understands how lucky he is to have Lorraine Houston on his staff, and those of us who proudly say that we are Space Center alumni can rest easily at night knowing that with Lorraine's kind and gentle influence, all will be well at our beloved Space Center.
Thank you Lorraine for 25 Years of Loving Service at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center
Lorraine was honored at last week's Honor's Night for 25 years of service to the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center. That makes here the longest serving employee of the Space Center, exceeding my 23 years as Founder / Director. Many Space Center alumni along with current staff and volunteers were on hand to celebrate her contribution to space science education in Utah.
Lorraine has been the official "Mom" to hundreds of staff and volunteers over the last quarter century. It is only fitting that she be recognized for her special efforts to be there for all of us. She has sewed the uniforms, washed the bedding, mended volunteer's clothes, baked hundreds and hundreds of cakes and treats for the overnight missions, supplied the day time staff with cookies and relish plates on a weekly basis, gave hugs - smiles - laughter - and true Christian love to everyone that knows her and works with her. There are a few times in your life when you are privileged enough to actually meet an angel on Earth. Well, there is one we get to rub shoulders with.
Next time you see Lorraine, you few that actually read these Journals, let her know how much you appreciate what she did, and what she still does for all of us, and if you are really good, when she isn't looking, Mr. Porter will show you where she keeps her halo and wings while she is working.
Mr. Williamson
Mrs. Houston's Message Thanking Everyone for the Honors
Thank you to all for the kind things you said and those that were written in the card. I have never been so honored in my life. Thanks to all who came and expressed love and gratitude. The story of the silver chalice of Zod has gone down in history as one of the funniest at CMSEC. Therefore, "I decree this award as the highest honor to be given."
It will forever represent laughter bonded with strong cords of friendship. Those who receive it will demonstrate attributes of dedication, loyalty, selfless service, longevity and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Remember, one's moral compass must point out toward others, this is where true happiness will be found.
Lots of love,
Lorraine
The New Logo of the Christa McAuliffe Space Center
Theater Imaginarium
The Week's Best Gifs from Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience
