Richland One first in space missions
Contributed by Richland One

Thelma Clavon (l) accepts award from Dr. June Scobee Rogers, widow of astronaut Dick Scobee and co- founder of the Challenger Center.

Richland One's Challenger Learning Center was recognized as a leader among the 48 such institutions throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Korea.

The local Challenger Center ranked first internationally in simulating the most space missions of any stand alone Challenger Learning Center associated with a school.

Thelma Clavon, the Center's director, accepted the honor on behalf of her staff at the 2007 Challenger Center Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington on August 29. The Seattle conference was an opportunity for educators from all of the centers from around the world to meet, share ideas and recognize their best and brightest.

The Challenger Learning Center's primary purpose is to inspire a new generation of explorers interested in math, science and technology. The Center's cutting- edge technology allows visitors to experience simulated space missions, enjoy incredible e-planetarium shows and engage in real- world scenarios that emphasize the challenges of working with aeronautics and microgravity.