Awards
Started in 2003, HUNCH has student teams across the country collaborating with Johnson, Stennis and Marshall Space Centers. The project typically runs from October through April. NASA personnel visit the schools early on to deliver materials and discuss assignments; the students work on the projects until early spring; and the program concludes with a recognition ceremony in April. At this ceremony, teams present their projects to NASA personnel and get a chance to see the work of other teams. Selection is competitive and based on a comprehensive proposal submitted by the school. If selected, the school can be invited back for up to three years before having to reapply. Mississippi schools participating in the 2011-2012 year include Hancock County Vocational Center, Gulfport Technical Center, New Albany Vocational Center and East Central High School (Jackson County). They will join teams across the country and work on projects related to payload hardware for the International Space Station. Anna Alexander, student and HUNCH project manager at Gulfport High School, is excited about the preparation HUNCH provides. “It is a great way to gain experience in the engineering field and provides a stable connection with adults already in the field,” she said. Andy Gunkel, Alexander’s engineering teacher at Gulfport, concurs. “The ability to see how an engineer or industry professional resolves a problem is a valuable lesson for students,” said Gunkel. Alexander’s future plans are to study engineering at the university level, and she is considering a major in aerospace engineering. “[HUNCH] gives me a competitive edge, as far as qualifications go, for selective engineering colleges,” said Alexander. “I’ve noticed among my team that [HUNCH participation] gives them a greater confidence in their abilities, something every student can benefit from,” she continued. To those who might be nervous or unsure about participating, “Jump right in!” says Alexander. “There’s something for everyone and every skill set is welcome. It truly is a golden opportunity.”
The second year was "so successful that our NASA engineer wanted to push our design through to NASA."
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Not only does HUNCH provide unparalleled experiences for students, but it provides state-of-the-art equipment for schools as well. Bynum said “[New Albany students] have the chance to use technology that our school could never afford, such as a 3-D prototyper [3-D printer].” NASA provides the equipment, software and other materials needed to properly work on the project. Creating relevance is one of the most important characteristics of HUNCH. “[Students] now know how their education and skills play a part in what they and their country can do scientifically and technologically [and how] that can impact this country economically,” said Bynum. The skills and knowledge gained in CTE and academic classes and the HUNCH experiences will help students contribute to 21st-century industry. No matter their eventual career field, these students will succeed.
DECA
In their mission to prepare future leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management, two of Mississippi’s DECA chapters received awards for outstanding work. Columbia Academy, led by Roxanne Wallace, was honored as Diamond Level for the 2010-2011 Membership Campaign. Columbia Academy also had the distinction of being the largest chapter for Mississippi in 2010-2011. Tammie Brewer, advisor for HCC Rankin Marketing, was also honored as Diamond in the 2010-2011 Membership Campaign. Mississippi DECA students also participated in the International Economic Summit, held in Clinton, Miss., in April 2011. All three teams from Itawamba Agricultural High School, led by their Marketing teacher, Sandy Prestage, won first in their divisions: • Am Jaborisut, Johnna Wilson, Kaitlin Oswalt, Maggie Martin and Cody Morris won Top High Income Country (Japan) • Hayden Crider, Weaver Brown, Deaven Tomlin and Brittany Francis won Top Middle Income Country (Mexico) • Christina Malik, Lauren Lucas, Harlie Bennett, Makenzie Snipes and Sydney Ware won Top Low Income Country (India) The Perry County Vocational Technical Center DECA students Rebecca Bunch, Trey Creel, Cortez Smith and Meagan Watkins participated in the Person Finance Challenge online and placed 2nd in their district. For their accomplishment, they were invited to a reception in Jackson, Miss., and each received a $50 check. In February 2011, the Hinds Community College Rankin DECA Cooperative Education chapter and the Pearl/ Rankin Career and Technical Center earned top spots at district and advanced to compete at the Mississippi Collegiate DECA Career Development Conference in Natchez, Miss. Five out of eight participants took top honors in the state, qualifying them to compete at the DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Fla.:
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Lorenzo Jordan, 2nd place in Automotive Services Marketing (Northwest Rankin
High School) • Allison McCue, 2nd place in Retail Merchandising Services (Richland High School) • Garrett Morris*, 2nd place in Apparel/Accessories Marketing (Richland High School) • Sara Ostrander, 4th place in Restaurant/Food Service Marketing (Pearl High School) • Abby Delaney, 6th place in Quick Serve Restaurant Services (Richland High School) *Garrett Morris also was awarded special honors for placing in the 30th percentile in the world at ICDC in his event.
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