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The canadian Champion, Fniday, July 01, 2005 - Al -Astronaut presents student award via video li*nk Specal to The Champion The first graduates of Chris Hadfîeld Public School received a special electronic visit from the school's namesake astronaut at the grade 8 ceremony Tuesday night. "We've been planning this al year long," said Principal Rick Nodwell. "But it took three or four months of heavy planning." The 85 graduates, students, par- ents, Mayor Gord Krantz and I-aiton Regional School Board Chair Paul Tate were present tu wjtness Col. Chris Hadfield's broadcast, xhich was made live via video link from the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, The appearance was made possible through a joint effort of the Canadian Space Agency. NASA, and the Halton District School Board. "l'in really pleased yuu invited ntc here tonighî to celebrate the first alumni of Chris Hadtield Public School." sad Col. Hadtield, svho appeared on a large projection screen. He was able to see those in front of him as well as be seen by the crowd in the school 's gym. After greeting the crowd and offering is congratulations to the graduates, he announced the win- ner of the Chris Hadfield Award of Excellence. Mayor Krantz present- ed the award to, Mathew Carson on behalf of Col. Hadfield. I1 don't have anything pre- pared," said Matthew as he approached the microphone with bis sizable trophy. "But 1 would like to say thanks for tbis presti- gious honour." Col. Hadfield then offered tutu some advice on public speaking. "Thank somebody. and then talk about the weather. Hopefully by then you've thought of something to say.' Matthew replied, "I would like to tbis heat?- The crowd laughed, and Col. Hadfield flashed him a thumbs-up of approval. Matthew, who graduated with honours, was also presented with the Student of Excellance Award for 2003 and the Excellance in English Award. lHe was chosen as the recipient of the Chris Hadfield Award of Excellance for being the best all-around example of the spir- it of Chris Hadfteld Public Schoul, and someone with extrordinary academic putential. Matthew was gratetul l'or the award and said hewsould take Col. Hadfield's advice on public speak- ing 10 heart. Students ask questions Students then asked Cul. Hadfield some questions about bis svork as chief of robotics at NASA. -Next sseek %ve are goîng to smash a satellite into comnet to sce what cornets are made of.-'lie said. He also announced there ssould be a shuttle launch in the tiexi two weeks, which would utilîze a space arm that had been partîally builti n Milton. "Canadians should take great pride," he said. "We butld the best space robots in the world.' Col. Hadfield had just retumed from a speaking tour of schools in Scotland, and told students that bis message was nothing is impossible forever. "When I was growing up, the idea that a Canadian could go into space seemed impossible" he said. "1Things change. l'm living proof of that." In bis clostng, he reminded grad- uates that tbis was their night. and they should take the time 10 enjoy and remember it. He encouraged the graduates 10 take a look at the people around them when they received their Photo by ASHLEA WESSEL Award winner Matthew Carson stands proudly before Col. Chris Hadfield's image on the video ink tram the Johnson Space Centre. diplomnas, because somne of the peuple they see will be friends 60 years down the road. lIe also said that they were prob ' ably feeling the samne excitemnent and nervousness as the astronaunts - who wtll be sent mbt space in a tèw weeks. But he îold them they should also feel the samne sense of accomn- plishment in completing this phase and starting somnething new. "You are fmnished your training,- said Col. Hadfield. "Tonigbî is your launcb." ___ From Left to right: Steve Houston, Scarborough Mirror, Peter Alfermann, Block and Decker, the winner Robert Billinghurst, Chris Rausch, Metroland, Corporate Sales Division. Robert's grand prize package includes a MM875: 19" Electric Mulchinq Mower, NPP2018: 18 Volt Cordless Pole Pruner, CHT500: 14.4 Volt Cordless 22" Hedge Trimmer, BV4000: High Performance Blower Vac, NST2018: 12 Volt Cordless Trimmer and a LE750: 2 in 1 Landscape Edger Pub"ng am Db-tnbuun Ltd. WATCH FOR OUR FALL ISSUE OF THERES NO PLACE UKE HOME COMING TO YOUR DOOR SEPTEMBER, 2005