Henry Sitting on the Starship Voyager's Captain's Chair

The Space Place at Renaissance Academy Has a New Staff Supervisor. Welcome to Employment Henry!

It has been a long time coming, but Henry managed to do it! A couple of weeks ago, Bracken Funk hired Henry for a staff position at The Space Place.

Henry has worked diligently and consistently for the last four years—starting in the sixth grade—to learn the ropes of Space EdVenturing. He trained alongside the best, including Bracken Funk and Megan Warner, and went the extra mile by volunteering at two different centers: The Space Place and the Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove.

As a Supervisor, Henry’s responsibilities will include overseeing volunteers during missions in the Voyager simulator. His duties also involve working the bridge with visiting crews and assisting Mr. Funk at the IIFX station in the ship's control room.

Henry Being Welcomed to the Staff Position by the Voyager's

Senior Volunteering Team.

Doesn't Henry look official wearing his Space Place Blues?

Congratulations Henry!

A Special Thank You to Matt Long for Teaching the Voyager Academy's Electrical Engineering Basics Class at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center

Matt with his First Graduating Team

The Space Center's Voyager Club operates the Voyager Academy. The Academy offers special classes and workshops to the Voyager Club members. The classes train volunteers in several aspects of Space Center operations. After completing the classes, club members may join the Space Center's StageWorks Department and create items to be used in the Center's simulators and planetarium.

Matt Long recently completed the Electrical Engineering Workshop with the first group of volunteer students. Their goal is to design, 3D print, and wire speciality props for the Space Center's simulators.

Another Space Center Author

We have another author in our extended Space Center family of former staff and volunteers. Logan Sidwell was a long time volunteer and staff member from many years ago. He hasn't lost all ties with the Space EdVentures community; he, like myself and Natalie Anderson, are voice actors for Mission.io.

Logan contacted me recently about his new book, "Human Countermove" and asked if I would share the novel with the Space Center family through the blog, which I am more than happy to do.

The Human Countermove is Logan debut novel, an adult, cerebral science fiction with elements of psychological thriller. On the surface, it examines the methods and strategies required to out-think a superintelligence, but beneath that premise lies a narrative that explores deeper philosophical themes. Here’s how it’s described on the back of the book:

In a nation ruled by AI Minds, productivity is everything, even play.

Once a legend in the world of strategy games, Zouk Solinsen is now just another burnout in a society obsessed with efficiency. But when the Minds announce a high-stakes tournament—with a seat on the ruling council as the prize, Zouk is drawn back into the fray, determined to reshape the future.

With help from the enigmatic Torrez Institute, Zouk racks up early victories against the Minds. But when Maya Torrez reveals the cost of her support, a violent coup against the Minds, he rejects it and strikes out alone.

Now, with no allies, dwindling resources, and a nation on the brink, Zouk faces the biggest game of his life—and a final, impossible choice: reform the system from within, or burn it all down.

Logan's Website: LoganSidwell.com

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FM9R7T5F

Imaginarium Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

This video is from the Space Center's Facebook page. It shows the transition from Central Elementary School 3 to the new Central Elementary School number 4 and then many many photos taken over the years. This is a must watch for all of you who've had a part in the creation and operations of the Space Center over the last 35 years.

Welcome Home, Aleta Clegg: A Space Center Legend

Aleta with one of her masterpieces found in the Space Center's Costume Room

It was truly a heartwarming moment to see Aleta Clegg walk through the doors of the Space Center this past Saturday. Aleta and her family are in town to celebrate the wedding of her son, Micah—but I'm very happy she took the time to stop in and say hello. Seeing her brought back a flood of great memories from the days when the Space Center was just finding its footing.

An Aleta Creation for a 3 Day Camp Supper way back when

Aleta is part of our foundation. She joined us back in the "infancy" days at Central Elementary, starting as a volunteer. However, it became immediately clear that "volunteer" was an insufficient title for the value she brought. Her service was so indispensable that she didn't stay a volunteer for long; she was quickly brought on as a vital member of the staff.

For me personally, Aleta was a lifesaver. She took command of the day-to-day office duties, lifting a massive weight off my shoulders. Because she handled the administrative side so capably, I was finally able to trim down my exhausting 70-hour work weeks. Her support gave me the freedom to focus on what the Center needed most: creating starship simulator missions, training new volunteers, and managing our growing staff.

But Aleta was never just an office manager. As a true lover of science fiction and a published author, she poured her creativity into every corner of the Center. She was a "Jack of many trades" who wore many hats—literally and figuratively:

The Actor: She brought the simulations to life, making memorable appearances during our summer space camps as the character "Adrian Stevens."
The Seamstress: Aleta was the talent behind the fabric, serving as our costume seamstress and creating many of the Center's original character costumes.
The Chef: She took on the massive responsibility of running the kitchen during our intense 3-day missions. She didn't just feed the campers; she immersed them in the story, serving unique "sci-fi" dishes that became part of the lore.

Though she moved to Washington State several years ago, it is clear that the Space Center still holds a special place in her heart. I hope she knows that she holds a special place in ours as well.

Aleta, you left an indelible mark on the Space Center's success. We would not be where we are today without those early years of your dedication, creativity, and hard work.

Enjoy the wedding festivities this week. God Bless Aleta!

New Wings on the Bridge: Announcing Thomas as Flight Director of the Falcon Simulator

Thomas with the Falcon Microphone. He is Ready for Your Group

The Space Center has a nice piece of exciting news to share. Thomas R., is officially appointed as the newest Flight Director!

Thomas has been assigned to the Starship Falcon, a move that comes as a massive relief to Mikey W. Ever since Rylan left for his mission a couple of months ago, Mikey has been holding down the fort as the solo Flight Director for the Falcon’s private missions. I know Mikey is thrilled to have a wingman back on the bridge.

A History of Dedication

To me—considering my advanced years—everyone here is a "kid," but Thomas is a truly exceptional one. Thomas first walked through our doors as a young junior hight school volunteer in June of 2022. From the very beginning, the Space Center staff noticed something special in him. He was one of those young teens who demonstrated an early and intense desire to learn, grow, and master the simulations.

He worked hard to get several "pass offs" in the simulators, a dedication that opened the door for his admittance into the Space Center’s very first Internship Program, taught by the great Tabitha Ricks.

A Historic Promotion

We have a special reason to celebrate this particular promotion. Thomas is officially the first graduate of the Internship Program to earn his Flight Director wings!

This is a significant milestone for the Center. Thomas is setting the example for those who are currently in the program and for those who will follow him into the Flight Directors' chairs of the Center's six Starship simulators. He has proven that the pathway from intern to Flight Director is open for those willing to put in the work.

Ready to Launch (Literally)

Needless to say, Thomas is trained, ready, and more than willing to get going. His enthusiasm is actually a little hard to contain!

When I took the photo for this announcement, Thomas was so excited to finally take the helm of the Falcon that Mikey W. had difficulty getting the microphone out of his hand! Mikey had a private mission waiting in the wings and needed to get started, but Thomas was struggling to release his grip on the comms.

That is exactly the kind of passion we love to see.

Good job, Thomas. You’ve earned this spot, and we can’t wait to see you in solor action in the Falcon Control Room.

The Flight Director's Oath

"As I take the Flight Director’s chair, I acknowledge that the safety of the crew and the success of the mission rest in my hands. I promise to be a steady hand and example for my staff and volunteers. Together, we will suspend disbelief and turn this simulator into a ship of discovery. I promise to uphold the mission of the Space Center. I will not just run a simulation; I will spark imagination. I will inspire my crew to look past the horizon and prepare for a future among the stars."

The Imaginarium Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World, Edited for a Gentler Audience

Sunday, December 21, 2025

A New Supervisor at The Space Place. A New Graduating Cohort from the Electrical Engineering Class. A Retired Space Center Staff Writes his First Book. Imaginarium Theater