Kathy R. Brandon  Receives 2006 Alan Shepard
Technology in Education Award

The prestigious 22nd National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs was the setting for the presentation of the 2006 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award.  On April 3, during the Opening Ceremony of the symposium, Dr. Stephen Feldman, president of The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF), presented Kathy R. Brandon with the award.  Assisting Dr. Feldman was Laura Shepard Churchley, daughter of astronaut Alan Shepard.

The award is given by the AMF in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Space Foundation. The2006 Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award recipient is a K-12 educator who has made an outstanding contribution in educational technology.

“Kathy Brandon demonstrates how hard work and a commitment to her students can enhance the learning process,” said Feldman. “Alan Shepard was one of the early directors of the AMF, one of the original seven Mercury astronauts, the first American to fly in space, and one of only 12 humans who has walked on the moon. Upon his death, the Foundation established this award in memory of his passion and dedication to our nation s space program. We were honored to have Laura Churchley partake in this event,” added Feldman.

Brandon was chosen for her longtime service as a program instructor and her outstanding contribution to the STARBASE Louisiana program, which is a hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning center at Barksdale Air Force Base and funded by the Department of Defense (DoD). Fifth-grade students from local public schools attend five-day academies, participating in an intense 25-hour integrated curriculum using aviation and space

exploration as the theme.  Although Brandon is required to teach core components as outlined by DoD regulations, in her seven years as an instructor with the program, Brandon has worked diligently to author and present many additions and innovations which enhance the curriculum,

particularly in the area of technology integration.  There are 50 STARBASE sites nationally and Kathy has authored or co-authored two-thirds of the supplemental lessons that are made available at each of the 50 sites. In addition, she has coordinated career mentors, conducted lessons on science topics, and developed a student workbook.  Brandon conducts lessons on science topics relating to the principles of flight and motion and accompanies students on tours

of aircraft, providing information on parts of the airplane, mechanics and safety, munitions, and career opportunities in aviation and support roles.

When asked what it meant to receive this award, Brandon stated, “I was very humbled and honored.  It was the most incredible and awesome professional experience of my life. You do what you do every day and you don t think it s anything out of the ordinary. I want everyone to understand and recognize that so many other support people were involved – from my staff and co-workers to the very cooperative spirit of the local school administrations. It s a win-win situation because the school administration has given us the freedom to make a difference. Also, our funding sources have allowed for the purchase of the technology tools we need. And finally, I am so appreciative to the vision of the founders of the program, which has expanded to where it is today. It s incredible how synergistic the whole program is.”