On the fair evening of June 6, Challenger Center of Northwest Indiana held its 25th anniversary celebration at Byway Brewery in Hammond. Challenger, a not-for-profit organization, offers programs that teach young students about astronomy and provides them hands-on learning opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Challenger board members, employees, volunteers, and well-wishers from throughout the community gathered for a lighthearted evening of games, socializing, and unlimited food and drinks. The event’s sponsors included Powering Indiana, Old National Bank, Grimmer Construction, Inc., Strack & Van Til, and Korellis. South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority CEO and an emcee for the evening’s event, Phil Taillon, believes that Challenger is a unique organization that deserves to be celebrated.
“Challenger Learning Center provides programs that really aren't offered by anybody else,” Taillon said. “Challenger Learning Center offers a creative, fun, and energetic environment where kids can learn about STEM without even realizing it. It's so important to keep people motivated and excited about what we do at Challenger. Getting them together at an event like this to celebrate the 25th anniversary and the positive things we’ve accomplished this year is a great way to do that. This is also a great opportunity for people to learn more about Challenger and make a donation if they’re so inclined.”
The Challenger Center for Space Science Education was established in 1986 by the families of the astronauts who died in the Challenger STS-51L tragedy. In 1999, Challenger Center of Northwest Indiana became the 33rd location to join the national network of Challenger Centers.
The Region’s young students have enjoyed Challenger’s planetarium, NASA-inspired simulated space missions, and educational programs. Chloe Belford, a flight director and STEM educator at Challenger, was one of the operators of the prize wheel station at the event. Belford, a student at Purdue University Northwest, views the event as a great way to raise awareness for Challenger.
“This is such a fun event,” Belford said. “It’s a great way to educate older members of the community who may not have heard of Challenger about the organization. The most special aspect of working at Challenger is interacting with the kids. I get to use my imagination every day with them and most of the time I’m learning just as much as they are. I love seeing the looks on their faces whenever they get excited about STEM and learn something new. Come visit us at Challenger and check out what’s going on.”
Hammond police officer Ben Stombaugh set the tone for the 25th anniversary event by performing covers of popular songs while accompanying himself on the acoustic guitar. The event boasted a wide range of fun and exciting activities for the attendees to enjoy. Everlasting Smiles and Events operated a bingo game in which players could win cash prizes – the largest being $500 – and their choice of whiskey. There was a wine pull, a raffle with a vast array of prizes, corn hole, a heads-or-tails game, and even a prize wheel. There was also a tabletop horse race game in which players rolled large cloth dice to advance the model horse of their choice, in the hope of winning tickets they could put in the raffle. Hammond police officer Lieutenant Steve Kellogg managed this exciting game. He considers the event to be a vital one for Challenger.
“This is our biggest fundraising event of the year,” Kellogg said. “Challenger Learning Center is all about teaching kids about space, spaceflight, and astronauts. I love being a part of it and seeing the kids smile. This 25th anniversary celebration gives us a chance to give back to the community. We wanted to bring people together for some fun, light-hearted games and just celebrate Challenger.”
You can learn more about the amazing programs that the Challenger Learning Center offers young students by visiting clcnwi.com.