Released on: October 2, 2007, 10:18 pm

Press Release Author: Jack Colpas / Helping Kids Reach for the Stars

Industry: Education

Press Release Summary: It has been fifty years since Sputnik; the earth's first
artificial satellite flew over the small West Virginia town of Coalwood. That
event, chronicled by Homer Hickam in the ever popular book Rocket Boys and
subsequent movie, October Sky will be celebrated on October 6th. This year student
winners of the Reach for the Stars rocket contest will meet the original Rocket
Boys. The young Rocket boys will travel from Florida to celebrate and launch at the
October Sky Festival in Coalwood. Encouraged with a countdown from the Rocket Boys
and astronaut Bill Readdy - this promises to be an inspirational and memorable
event. Nothing draws more attention than a rocket launch!

Press Release Body: On October 4th, 1957 author Homer Hickam and his famed Rocket
Boys looked into the night sky to see Sputnik, the earth's first artificial
satellite fly past. Their lives and ours were forever changed. The space age had
begun. Homer, Roy Lee Cooke, Willy "Billy" Rose, and Jim "O'Dell" Carroll - made
famous by the book Rocket Boys and the subsequent movie October Sky - will be making
their annual pilgrimage to Coalwood, West Virginia.

As this is the fiftieth anniversary of that historic time the whole town is gearing
up for an unforgettable event in what Homer has dubbed, "The Coalwood Way." Church
suppers in the basement, meetings at the Country Corner, booths at the Clubhouse -
selling food, drinks and souvenirs - and a parade down Main Street, complete with a
shiny red fire truck. This is small town America at its best. The festival is to be
held on Saturday, October 6th.

830 miles away in Bradenton, Florida - students, John Forgione, Austin Thomas and
their teacher, Gil Burlew are packing in eager anticipation. The Braden River High
School students are winners in the Reach for the Stars rocket contest. John and
Austin, already dubbed the "New Rocket Boys" prepare to meet with the originals at
the October Sky Festival. Bridging the time gap these young winners will launch
their rockets at "Cape Coalwood" the site of the launches made fifty years ago. The
original Rocket Boys and Space Shuttle astronaut, Bill Readdy will be giving the
countdown.

The rocket contest brings attention to the Helping Kids Reach for the Stars model
rocketry program an Educational Outreach of the Christa McAuliffe Challenger Center.
More information about the contest and the program is at www.TheRocketman.net.

Christa McAuliffe's mother, Grace Corrigan will be accompanying teacher Katherine
Manley, winner of the Miss Frieda Reilly Award in the parade. Miss Riley was the
Rocket Boys inspirational teacher. Even the International Space Station is joining
in with a fly-over visible from Coalwood on the anniversary off the Sputnik
sighting. What an incredible example of the advances in space flight over the past
5 decades.

In a twist that could never have been envisioned in Coalwood fifty years ago - the
third Reach for the Stars rocket contest winner is a girl! Katinna Jumper from
Miami's Miccosukee Indian School won for her age level (8 to 13). Katinna will be
receiving her trophy and prizes at a later date.



Web Site: http://www.TheRocketman.net

Contact Details: Jack Colpas
Helping Kids Reach for the Stars
Phone / FAX (941) 955-3958
Rocketman@SciConServices.com
www.TheRocketman.net