Don Thomas is an astronaut, scientist, professional speaker, educator and author of Orbit of Discovery about his STS-70 mission aboard space shuttle Discovery. A veteran of four flights, Mr. Thomas has spent 44 days in space and orbited the Earth nearly 700 times. On Wednesday, March 14, Mr. Thomas will be onsite at Collegedale Academy to participate in national Pi Day celebrations.
"The Greater Collegedale School system encourages students in class and with special projects to broaden their learning in all areas.
On National Pi day GCSS celebrates by hosting a special event to feature math and science research performed by our middle and high school. Additionally, students from Southern Adventist University join the event," officials said.
“We are blessed to have many resources, including alumni, parents and university professors to help us celebrate with special speakers and projects. In our second year of this event, we are thrilled to host astronaut Don Thomas,” says CA Math Department Chair and teacher Ziniah Beasley.
Mr. Thomas will address students during an assembly from 2:15-3:15 p.m., and then address the community in the evening from 6:30-7 p.m. during a presentation of student STEM projects.
“Collegedale Academy and the Greater Collegedale School System is committed to educating, equipping and inspiring young minds spiritually, academically and socially. This visit will allow for our students to see the results of a focus on a STEM curriculum; from learning math and science to a career steeped in this area – a NASA astronaut. Thank you to all our sponsors who made this opportunity a reality. To our students, we hope this time will allow you to dream about the unlimited possibilities you can dream about and invest your time in,” said Collegedale Academy Principal Brent Baldwin.
Mr. Thomas’s attendance was made possible through sponsorships provided by HessJet, Davanzo Real Estate, Scenic City Multisport, Southern Adventist University Physics Department, Heritage Health Foods and Worthington Health Foods.