Four remarkable students from Eastern View High School have achieved national recognition for their innovative contribution to space exploration. Layne Hicks, Sierra Leminson, Victoria Marquis, and Delaney Wensel, under the guidance of their Earth Science II teacher, Rachel Stuart, clinched victory in the prestigious Space Station Technology Challenge sponsored by the Institute of Competition Sciences this fall.
The challenge, which calls upon high school and college teams to devise groundbreaking space station capabilities, saw the Orionz team from Eastern View emerge victorious as “best in show” in the national competition. Their winning concept was a visionary virtual wallpaper designed to enhance the mental well-being of astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The young scientists hypothesized that if the astronauts felt more at home in the International Space Station, it would lessen the mental health struggles they face during extended periods of time in space. The students proposed that the astronauts could use industrial, 360° projectors to “forecast different wallpaper images onto the walls of the ISS to replicate the feeling of home for the members.” The Orionz team concluded that “this new development will improve the mental health of the ISS members and create a happier and homier working environment for the team.”
This simple yet effective idea earned the Cyclone scientists a top spot in the national competition. The Culpeper County School Board recognized the students with ZAPP Awards at its Regular Board meeting on Monday, February 12, 2024.
Picture Above: Delaney Wensel, Sierra Lemison & Mrs.Stuart with School Board Member Pat Baker (Not pictured: Layne Hicks&Victoria Marquis)