By paNOW

Local youth leaders inspired by Canadian astronaut

Dec 5, 2018 | 3:00 PM

Canadians have a lot to celebrate as astronaut David Saint-Jacques reached the International Space Station on Monday.

It’s having a big impact on local youth leaders.

“It’s very exciting, it’s been a while since Col. Hadfield and it’s great to have another Canadian up in space,” Richelle Ackerman, the head of the science of department at Carleton Comprehensive said. 

“Getting kids motivated becomes a lot easier with news like this. It gives students a real, ‘Oh my gosh there are so many things that I could do if I just set my mind to it and want it bad enough.’”

Ackerman added that it also helps connect the dots in the classroom. “We always try and incorporate things that are happening currently, just to try and get students excited about current events and have a connection between real life science and things that are happening in the classroom.”

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Dave Mineau, the local Navy League Commanding Officer, said it’s a great example to the young cadets. “If they see someone from their country doing something that great, why wouldn’t it inspire them?”

Saint-Jacques, along with two other astronauts will spend the next six months aboard the ISS conducting a series of scientific experiments, robotic tasks and testing out  new technologies.

A Canadian hasn’t been aboard the ISS since Chris Hadfield. Hadfield spent four months aboard in 2013.