Supporters of the Education Foundation of Indian River County had a lot to celebrate last Thursday evening as they kicked off the 25th anniversary of the Indian River Regional Science and Engineering Fair with a reception at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum.
The inaugural S.E.A.L. (Science, Education, Aeronautics, Learning) event was a collaborative effort with the SEAL Museum to thank donors for bringing “the moon and the stars” to local students. The featured speaker, U.S. Navy Capt. Christopher Cassidy, a former SEAL and now NASA Chief of Astronauts, exemplified the nonprofit’s mission of achieving educational excellence.
Earlier in the day Cassidy shared his experiences with science fair participants, giving them a firsthand account of his two space flights. He also answered insightful questions from the students who demonstrated a high level of scientific thinking.
Cassidy later spoke of his astronomical adventures with close to 200 guests at the VIP reception and, judging from the number of questions asked, it is clear that space travel hasn’t lost its wonder for those firmly planted on terra firma.
“Science is the backbone language of exploration and discovery,” said Cynthia Falardeau, Education Foundation executive director. “Our entire mission is based on launching programs and services that increase the community’s investment in our schools with the goal of achieving excellence for students and educators. The theme, ‘heroes past, present and future,’ aligns with the symbolism of an astronaut and Navy SEAL. Our children are the future. They will be our heroes if we prepare them to be dreamers, thinkers, problem-solvers and leaders of ingenuity. The future of our community and our nation depends on this.”
While enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, guests made their way through the museum; many viewing the expanded exhibitions for the first time. Strolling through the historical accounts from UDT Frogmen to SEALs served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices these men made to provide the rest of us with the freedom and liberties we now enjoy.
In her welcome, board president Cathy Filusch pointed out that the room was filled with past, present and future heroes.
“You mean the moon and stars to us with your support over the past 25 years; with your belief in our mission to, under all circumstances, make sure to help children of every race, creed and socio-economic background get the best education and well-being that we can give them here in Indian River County,” said Filusch.
Vero Beach High School senior Spencer Toll, who with partner Brian Mills represented Indian River County at the International Science Fair last year, also shared his journey. As he spoke about black holes and exoplanets, it was evident that Toll represents the epitome of individuals reaching for the stars.
After giving them a hint at this year’s science fair project, he added, “The science fair has changed my life. Both science and the science fair have provided me with opportunities I never expected I would have. It changed the direction of my life and created an insatiable thirst to change the world through my capabilities in science.”
To follow the progress of the science fair, visit EdFoundationIRC.org.