If You Can See It, You Can Be It
We are so honored to have been joined by: Lynda Coffman, CEO, Women in Aviation International Olga Custodio, the first Hispanic female U.S. military pilot, United States Air Force Susan Mallett, Associate Director, Outreach & Partnerships, Civil Air Patrol Kelly Murphy, Director of Communications, Women in Aviation International Theresa Claiborne, the first Black female pilot in the U.S. Air Force 
STEAM ActivitiesNow to play - the ballroom opened up into a large area with lots of booths full of activities and we headed to: the Flight Simulators!
After the flight simulators - we went to the mini drones and the unofficial challenge, of who could navigate through the most circles (steering wheel covers).
There was so much to explore - a station for flying paper airplanes, another station for learning how to direct planes, a station where you built a drone from scratch and then flew it, a station where you could create a keychain from rivets, and so much more. Different colleges that specialized in ANYTHING AVIATION related. You could get a degree in anything and work in the Aviation industry.
And of course - Selfie Time!
 A job panel presented where different aspects of jobs in aviation were discussed. Panelists included a PHI Air Medical Medevac Helicopter Pilot, Airport K9 Police Officer, the Vice President of Technical Operation Engineering and Quality at American Airlines, and the Chief Operating Officer of PacTex Aviation (she is also the current Mrs. United States).  A Friday Night in Dallas in March 2026Scholarship winners were asked to attend the Girls in Aviation Day at the Women in Aviation Conference in Dallas, Texas. We would receive our Flight Jackets, Backpacks, and Scholarships during an award ceremony at the Girls in Aviation Day on Saturday. So travel arrangements were made and off we went to Dallas. Friday night, I was able to meet my students and a parent during a casual dinner at Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet in Dallas. As I was able to visit with the parents of my students and the directors of the Endeavour Scholarship Foundation, the students were given time to talk and get to know each other. They will be working together and represent the USA at Space Camp this summer. After dinner, we had a team meeting at the hotel and develop a plan for Saturday at the conference.
1st Task - Create a Mission PatchBefore the mission takes off for Space Camp this summer, our first group assignment is to design a patch that uniquely distinguishes and expresses the purpose of your mission. Mission patches are a traditional, collectible emblem of a flight, and they are prominently attached to the crew’s flight suits — the patch represents your crew, your mission, and your country, so design it together as a team. There are six (6) required design elements for your Mission Patch: 1. The team’s name as “Endeavour 31” 2. The USA flag (or representation of it) 3. At least one iconic symbol of your country (ex.: national animal, symbol, monument, etc.) 4. The family name of each student displayed alphabetically 5. A maximum of 9 colors 6. Representation of Al Worden Class of 2025 Mission Patches
After the New Year, the emailman delivered an email to my emailbox, I wasn't expecting. The message told me that, if interested, they would like to consider me for something extra - the Astronaut Al Worden Endeavour Scholarship. If I was selected (after a virtual interview) for the all-inclusive scholarship, I would be the American teacher who leads a team of five or six exceptional students in an exclusive version of Space Camp. Six more teams from around the world would also attend. Hello! This email is being sent to a select few students and educators that have applied for a Summer 2026 Space Camp scholarship. Thank you so much for applying! We would like to offer you an enhanced Camp experience by providing your name and information to the Endeavor Scholarship, Mission Team USA. This program, partnered with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Foundation, is selecting 2 students and 1 educator to join Mission Team USA in their 2026 Camp experience. Teams from Australia, Chile, the UAE, the UK and Ukraine will also be attending. This opportunity does involve travel. There is a trip to Dallas, TX on March 19-21 that you will be required to attend and then Camp that will be in Huntsville from July 23 to August 1. All travel and camp expenses are covered by the Endeavor Scholarship program. Was I interested? Yes, I was! Very Interested!
 We're heading to the Women in Aviation International Conference this month, and on March 21 we’ll proudly celebrate Mission Team 31, USA, at the Endeavour Scholarship Award Ceremony. These incredible scholars will go on to U.S. Space & Rocket Center's Space Camp this July!
We're honored to be joined by our Mission Ambassador Theresa Claiborne at this event, the first black female pilot in the U.S. Air Force, whose trailblazing legacy is a testament to everything the Endeavour Scholarship stands for. We cannot wait to officially welcome Mission Team 31, USA, into the Endeavour family!
 It was so lovely to talk with you last week. It's very clear from your application and interview that you are a space junky! In the best way! We interviewed a number of teachers and agreed that your passion for Space Camp shined. We are happy to extend you an Endeavour Scholarship to lead Mission Team USA! We see a great balance of academic strength, ability to lead, and pragmatic skills in caring for students that will be valuable for our mission of uniting students in a love for STEM... Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Congratulations!
adapted from The Hoggatteer Experience (my husband's website)
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