STARBASE La., graduates 300th class

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Sherri Bohannon
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La. --  STARBASE Louisiana celebrated the graduation of its 300th class in a ceremony Friday, Jan. 25, held at Asbury United Methodist Church, Bossier City, La.

Ceremony Speaker Col. Edmund D. Walker, commander of the 917th Wing, encouraged the Apollo Elementary fifth-graders to "have big dreams and never let go (of them)."

Dreams are in the forefront of the minds of the nearly 170 STARBASE graduates, indeed. Policemen, firefighters, singers, doctors, lawyers, sports managers, and teachers are career choices for many...what the students "can be," according to the STARBASE staff, a statement of certainty that didn't go unnoticed.

"As these children are exposed to the STARBASE subjects, they quickly pick up valuable skills and tools that they'll use the rest of their lives--and they're having a blast coming to STARBASE," said Retired Brig. Gen. Peyton Cole, president of the non-profit organization, STARBASE La., Inc.

While at STARBASE, the Apollo students received hands-on lessons in math, science, engineering and technology, discovering the principles that support aviation, while building goal-setting and teamwork skills. A community service project was also part of the curriculum.

Fifth-graders representing each of the seven graduating classes boldly stepped to the microphone to describe their classes' various projects. Although the intimate details escape this writer, the confidence with which each of these students made their presentations does not.

The little red-haired girl who bravely stepped up to the microphone, adjusted it to her level and announced, "I'm filling in for ..." caught the attention of all. The young man who adjusted the microphone as low as he could, and proceeded to stand on his tip-toes to make sure his point was heard wasn't overlooked either.

Colonel Walker remarked on their level of confidence at the beginning of his speech which followed when he said, "Wow! I wish I had those speaking skills NOW, much less when I was 10 years old!"

"We are preparing them for their personal futures and for their future roles in society," said Kathy Brandon, STARBASE La., director. "Perhaps some of our STARBASE students will be the scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians who will take the lead in the information age."

"They can certainly be proud of the positive steps they are taking toward a bright future."