Ashley Vasquez/The Smithville HeraldSeventh-grader Billy Drake, center, who attends Smithville Middle School, was awarded a $1,300 scholarship to attend the NASA Space Camp this summer. He was given the award in a surprise assembly at the school. Drake is the son of Rachel, left, and Bill Drake, right, of Smithville. Drake was awarded the scholarship after Smithville High School communication arts teacher Darryl Johnson, second from left, was given the money to award to a student when he attended the camp last year. Johnson was named the Missouri Teacher of the Year for 2006, and the space camp scholarships for himself and a student were among his prizes.
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Student awarded trip to space camp
By Ashley Vasquez
For seventh-grader Billy Drake, going to the NASA Space Camp in Alabama isn’t only a dream come true, it is a life’s pursuit. And that pursuit will be a reality.
Drake, who attends Smithville Middle School, was awarded a $1,300 scholarship to attend the NASA Space Camp this summer. He was given the award in a surprise assembly at the school. Drake is the son of Rachel and Bill Drake of Smithville.
“I was really surprised,” Billy Drake said. “I can’t wait to go.”
Drake was awarded the scholarship after Smithville High School communication arts teacher Darryl Johnson was given the money to award to a student when he attended the camp last year. Johnson was named the Missouri Teacher of the Year for 2006, and the space camp scholarships for himself and a student were among his prizes.
Drake, along with several other students, filled out applications including letters of recommendation from teachers and community members to earn the scholarship.
Drake was chosen for his academic performance and love of flying and space.
“His love for flying and space made him an outstanding choice,” said teacher Dana Bosley. “This is going to be an awesome experience for him.”
Johnson said space camp was a life-changing event for him. Johnson attended the camp with other educators this past summer. At the camp, Drake will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of NASA programs, including mission simulations.
“At first I didn’t want to go,” Johnson said. “It was another week away from my family, but once I got there, I was so glad I went. It is an experience that is like no other.”
Johnson said he was excited for Drake to experience space camp.
“I just gave the scholarship to the middle school and told them to give it away in the best way they saw fit,” he said. “I think he will have a great time and learn so much like I did.”
Drake’s parents said they were elated with the news of their son’s accomplishment. They said Billy had been interested in flying since he was a toddler, when the family would watch the planes land at the airport.
“We are more than proud,” Rachel Drake said. “We can hardly contain ourselves.”
Smithville Editor Ashley Vasquez can be reached at 532-4444 or ashleyvasquez@npgco.com.
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Drake, who attends Smithville Middle School, was awarded a $1,300 scholarship to attend the NASA Space Camp this summer. He was given the award in a surprise assembly at the school. Drake is the son of Rachel and Bill Drake of Smithville.
“I was really surprised,” Billy Drake said. “I can’t wait to go.”
Drake was awarded the scholarship after Smithville High School communication arts teacher Darryl Johnson was given the money to award to a student when he attended the camp last year. Johnson was named the Missouri Teacher of the Year for 2006, and the space camp scholarships for himself and a student were among his prizes.
Drake, along with several other students, filled out applications including letters of recommendation from teachers and community members to earn the scholarship.
Drake was chosen for his academic performance and love of flying and space.
“His love for flying and space made him an outstanding choice,” said teacher Dana Bosley. “This is going to be an awesome experience for him.”
Johnson said space camp was a life-changing event for him. Johnson attended the camp with other educators this past summer. At the camp, Drake will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of NASA programs, including mission simulations.
“At first I didn’t want to go,” Johnson said. “It was another week away from my family, but once I got there, I was so glad I went. It is an experience that is like no other.”
Johnson said he was excited for Drake to experience space camp.
“I just gave the scholarship to the middle school and told them to give it away in the best way they saw fit,” he said. “I think he will have a great time and learn so much like I did.”
Drake’s parents said they were elated with the news of their son’s accomplishment. They said Billy had been interested in flying since he was a toddler, when the family would watch the planes land at the airport.
“We are more than proud,” Rachel Drake said. “We can hardly contain ourselves.”
Smithville Editor Ashley Vasquez can be reached at 532-4444 or ashleyvasquez@npgco.com.