STARBASE 2.0 program ends school year on a great note

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The after-school mentoring program STARBASE 2.0 recently completed its second year at Minot Air Force Base and to help celebrate, its staff held ceremonies recognizing the efforts of students and mentors.

Two ceremonies were held, one acknowledging the 6th grade elementary participants and the other its 7th grade participants. They included special guest speakers: Col. Thomas Summers, 91st Missile Wing vice commander and Maj. Andrew Legault, 91st Security Support Squadron commander.

During the ceremonies, the students had the opportunity to received a certificate of completion, and enjoy a slideshow presentation of photos highlighting the things they did throughout the year. Trophies were also presented members of the teams which placed first, second, and third for the program's local competition of ingenuity.

As a program which emphasizes the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, to youth, STARBASE 2.0 has continued to work towards its goal of providing innovative educational curriculums that spark interest in the minds of children.

From its initial implementation at the Northern Plains Elementary School, it has expanded to include Memorial Middle School students.

"Watching the students learn and grow as individuals and as a part of a team throughout the six-month program has been extremely rewarding to witness," said Lisa Murphy, STARBASE North Dakota director. Adding the program would not be possible without the support of the adult mentors, who are committed to working with the middle school students, and are truly making a difference in their lives.

Students have everything to gain from programs like these. Murphy explained whether it's science, math or engineering principles, students learn a lot throughout the process. Afterwards they are able to apply what they have learned to a real-world problems and it makes the learning more worth-while and relevant to the students.

"When the students are interested in what they are learning, the sky's the limit!" Murphy said.

The staff of STARBASE North Dakota has also been extremely instrumental in the success of STARBASE 2.0., explained Murphy.

"The staff works tirelessly to research, develop, and implement an engaging curriculum to create an exciting learning environment for the students," said Murphy. "Without the hard work and dedication of the staff and their willingness to go the extra mile, there would not be a STARBASE 2.0 program in our community."

Murphy thanked the many organizations that helped sponsor the program, like the the Minot Public Schools Foundation, the Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Youth Center on base.

"The Youth Center has been a wonderful partner in providing a fantastic location to hold the 7th grade STARBASE 2.0 meetings," said Murphy. "They also provided snacks for every session, and a Youth Center staff member was present at every session as well."

The Minot Public Schools Foundation also provided snacks for the 6th grade STARBASE 2.0 sessions. Also, with the help and support of the Loyal Order of the Moose, the program was able to expand its outreach to benefit 7th graders. Their funds helped to cover some of the expenses accrued.

"A program like this takes an extreme amount of effort and support from Minot Air Force Base, Minot Public Schools, STARBASE Staff and our sponsors, but I feel like anything is possible when people work together for the benefit of the students in our community," Murphy said. "The proof is on the students' faces as they are working together, planning for their futures, mastering sophisticated concepts, and loving every minute of it!"

If you or your organization would like to learn more about the STARBASE programs and know how you can get involved, please contact Lisa Murphy at 727-3335.