Washington, DC—Rep. Watson gave brief remarks at a “NASA on the Hill” event held to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of NASA. The exhibition and reception was held on June 18, 2008 in the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer.

Rep. Watson was joined by NASA astronauts Commander Peggy Whitson and Carl Wasz.

“I am here to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of NASA. NASA’s past and promise is an inspiration as it sets the standards for innovation and discovery,” said Rep. Watson. “We are here to honor NASA leaders, including its extraordinary astronauts, Commander Peggy Whitson and Carl Wasz. Thanks to NASA and its missions of discovery, including the International Space Station, we have an opportunity to address the critical conditions of education in our country.

“Just as the former Soviet Union’s launch of a tiny satellite ignited the space race and impelled America to improve its science education in 1957, many experts feel that the United States has reached its next Sputnik moment,” stated Rep. Watson. “Our country faces both an education crisis particularly in the sciences and a world leadership crisis. Therefore, I recognize the need to cultivate youth as leaders in a global age.”

Rep. Watson announced the launch of a new youth cyberjournalist project at Dorsey High School in the 33rd District. “I am announcing the formation of a unique global program launched at Dorsey High School that is located in my District,” stated Watson. “Dorsey was chosen due to their prior experience with NASA where its students participated in the NASA Stars Mission in 2003 and 2004.”

Dorsey High School is one of three schools in the U.S. and Canada working with private and public partners to focus on the International Space Station and cultivate the Global NetGeneration of Youth Cyberjournalists who will investigate the careers of NASA International Space Station leaders who are shaping the future.