Kids Calendar for Safety, Health & Environment Makes for One Care-ful Party

The room was a sea of balloons, colorful and inviting as the winners entered the Gilruth to take part in the 2015 Safety, Health & Environmental Calendar Children’s Award Party. The center table was adorned with cookies of all kinds and a scrumptious looking cake. It made your mouth water as you walked past and stole a whiff. In addition to all the food and drink, there was an astronaut to meet and faces to paint. All this was made possible by the dedicated Safety, Health & Environment team who planned and coordinated from beginning to end. Special thanks is to be given to the sponsorship of NLT Management Service, Anadarko Industries and Straughan Environmental.

Introductions were made from the Master of Ceremony, Stacy Menard, and then Astronaut Bill McArthur said a few words of encouragement about safety. Associate Center Director Melanie Saunders wrapped up the opening with a few words of appreciation to everyone who helps make the entire event a success.  “I love how our kids help us get involved in safety and health,” Melanie exclaimed. “I am so excited to be here!”   

As each child’s name was announced, a very proud safety ambassador stepped out to the aisle and marched to the front of the crowd to receive their very own award. To add to the pomp and circumstance, each had their picture taken by the JSC photographer in front of a backdrop displaying their contest artwork. 

Oblivious to the crowd of faces watching, the young winners smiled from ear to ear as McArthur and Saunders congratulated them and handed them their award. The winners received their very own 2015 Safety, Health & Environmental Calendar displaying all of their entries, a t-shirt with their artwork portrayed on the front and a certificate of appreciation signed by Center Director, Ellen Ochoa. 

Reading their faces, it was obvious the kids take their safety, health and environmental messages seriously. Whether it was lessons learned from home or school, capturing the message on paper made them victors. Even if it’s fastening a seat belt upon entering a vehicle, planning a home fire emergency strategy or wearing their helmets and pads while riding bikes, these children are growing up with safety being a necessity in everyday tasks. There’s little doubt these messages of safety will play a major role in their adult lives.

After everyone received their awards, all the winners posed for a group photo while wearing their artwork-embellished shirts. Astronaut McArthur, a long-time supporter of safety and health, then autographed pictures while posing with the champions for photo opportunities. Kids stood in line to get their faces painted and everyone ate snacks.

A few of the winners shared their favorite part of the contest and party. Little Ila Miller exclaimed, “The balloons!” while Mr. Ian McGrath said his favorite part was eating the scrumptious cake! Everyone had a wonderful time and definitely took home fond memories of the celebration. 

 
Janet G. Stewart, NASA Johnson Space Center