News from the Discovery Space Center at Canyon Grove Academy. Discovery Space Center Announces New Promotions. The Imaginarium.

Maeson Busk Finished his pièce de résistance at the DSC. Earth and all her glories  is the title of the artwork.  

I just happened to stop by last Saturday to see him putting the finishing touches on the mural.  Emma supervised.  The mural sits opposite the entrance to the Everest's control room and the simulator's outside entrance.  

Upon closer inspection I noticed the mural was curling up from the corners; something painted murals don't do.  That's when I realized Maeson wasn't adding finishing touches, he was gluing down a section of the Earth in the process of detaching itself from the planet.  I didn't say anything. If Maeson wanted me to think he painted the mural then I'm all in.  After all, aren't all of us involved in this line of work masters of make believe? 

There was something unfamiliar with the planet in the new DSC mural.  With the nebula so close to the planet I assumed it was an alien world - a member planet in the Farpoint diaspora.  I studied the planet with better lighting and recognized Saudi Arabia; an upside down Saudi Arabia.  Oops....
If you visit the DSC do me a favor and don't tell Maeson that he hung (or painted) the earth upside down.  It would be like rubbing salt on an open wound.  

Spencer Baird Passes his Flight Director Exam for the DSC's Everest Simulator.

The moment Spencer heard the news. There was much celebration in the land.

Even his crew (the Space Academy's 6th Grade Tiger Squadron) was happy for him. 

Spencer Baird was inducted into the ranks of one of the world's most exclusive clubs on Saturday.

Welcoming him into the Benevolent Order of Level Two Flight Directing was Maeson Busk,  himself a Level Two flight director. Level Two Flight Directors are those who actively fly simulators in two Space EdVenture Centers.  Maeson works as the director of the DSC at Canyon Grove Academy and a flight director at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center.  Spencer is an active flight director at Renaissance Space Academy and is now authorized to fly the Everest at the DSC at Canyon Grove.

Spencer trained for several months for his final exam mission on Saturday.  He was happy to discover that his crew would be cadets from the Space Academy.  He knew them and they knew him.  His little brother was the first officer.  

His exam started with the mission briefing.  The Space Academy's 6th Grade Tiger Squadron listened as he explained their mission objectives.  They had to transfer a prisoner from Alcatraz  Prison to Farpoint Station for trial.  Of course the prisoner was a drug lord with extensive operations throughout the Diaspora.  You can see Jackson Baird's reaction to that bit of information above.

 The crew was trained and ready for the mission.  Little did they know what awaited.

Sitting outside the Everest were the DSC volunteers plotting against the crew.  The Space Academy's Ethan Freestone was on hand to support Spencer. Ethan is a duel center volunteer and enjoys his time at the DSC.  The DSC supervisor (in blue) explained the role of the ship's doctor for this particular mission.

The mission began.  Spencer was ready, or as ready as he could be.  It was a tough exam. The mission was new, written only the previous week; a Maeson creation.  Would Spencer crack under the pressure?

Caleb H., Spencer's second chair, was also going for his IIFX (Second Chair) pass. Two teenagers under the gun with their pre-college careers on the line.  Adding to the pressure were the two people sitting behind them.  Both DSC directors were in the control room working on evaluations.  Maeson was taking copious notes on both Spencer and Caleb while Sydney took notes on the bridge person.

When all was said and done Spencer got his pass.

It was a double celebration.  Caleb got his IIFX pass as well.

And on hand to celebrate the good news were the staff and volunteers for the day's exam mission.

This is what makes the Discovery Space Center a great place.  I mentioned to both Sydney and Maeson that there is a happy, welcoming, friendly feeling at the DSC.  You can tell the staff and volunteers care for each other and their crews.  Maeson and Sydney are to be congratulated for the work they've done to build the program to what it is today. They set the example the staff and volunteers follow.

Congratulations Spencer and Caleb for passing your exams. 

In passing I asked Maeson where my office had been moved to.  A few years back when Casey and Skyler were building the simulators at Canyon Grove, I asked for my own office; just a small corner with a nameplate to show my support for the program. It would be a tribute in my honor for founding the first space center.  

I noticed that the small corner just off the main entrance which had always been '"my office" was occupied with odds and ends.  "Where's my office?" I questioned Maeson. "My office has always been right here."  

"We moved your office," Maeson replied.  "Follow me."  He led me down the short hallway which separates the Everest and Dauntless to the confined storage area behind the Everest's Brig.  "There you go. Welcome to your office."  

"It's full of stuff," I objected.  

"Not this area.  Your office is behind that hatch.  See, we haven't forgotten you."  Maeson pointed to the hatch behind the 'stuff'.  

You see what I mean when I say there is a true spirit of love and friendship at the DSC. What Maeson doesn't know is that I'm going to have a sign made that says "Mr. Williamson's Office" and put it over that hatch.  We'll see who has the last laugh. 

Mr. Williamson

The Imaginarium