Jessica van Son, daughter of Rod and Gwen van Son of Ilwaco, and an alumnus of Ilwaco High School recently returned from Space Academy for Educators in Huntsville, Ala.

She was awarded a scholarship from Honeywell to attend the Honeywell Educators Space Academy program from June 21 to June 28 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Honeywell awarded scholarships to 200 teachers from 19 countries and 43 U.S. states for attendance during two one-week sessions. Nearly 1,000 teachers competed for the honor.

Teachers applying for the Honeywell scholarships were required to submit a 500-word essay describing the techniques they use to motivate students to study science-related fields and pursue technology-related careers.

The global group of teachers completed an intensive educator curriculum focused on space science in addition to participating in real astronaut training.

During her experience at Space Academy, van Son participated in over 40 hours of laboratory and field training. She had the opportunity to participate in astronaut training, including scenario-based space missions and state-of-the-art flight dynamics training. During the two missions that van Son participated in she was a mission specialist where she went on an EVA to fix the Hubble telescope and in the second mission, she was the flight director at Mission Control.

At the end of her time at Space Academy, Miss van Son was awarded the “Right Stuff” Award. This award is given to the educator who best personifies the qualities of an astronaut and demonstrates leadership.

Because of this award, van Son will have the opportunity to select a student to attend Space Camp during the coming school year free – thanks to sponsorship from Space Camp and Honeywell.

The Honeywell Educators at Space Academy program is part of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, the community outreach initiative which focuses on three issues of vital importance, including science and math education. Honeywell International is a $30 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers with aerospace products and services.