NASA Astronaut Steve Swanson Visits Midleton CBS

27 February, 2024

We were thrilled to welcome NASA Astronaut Steve Swanson to our school last week. Commander Swanson spoke to our 5th year students and students from the neighbouring secondary schools in the town in our hall while the remainder of our school watched via live stream.

Steve shared with our students, staff and invited neighbours his experiences as an astronaut on the International Space Station, his inquisitive nature and life experiences that led him to working in NASA and space. Commander Swanson is a highly accomplished individual with a remarkable career in space exploration. His achievements include space flight experience on the STS – 117 Atlantis and STS – 119 Discovery including 5 space walks. He was also in command of the International Space Station in 2014. Thank you for taking the time to speak with and inspire all those watching.

Astronaut Swanson was welcomed by members of our Student Council and received a guard of honour from our 1st years. Samuel Iskrzycki, 4th year, presented him with an incredible piece of art he created for the event which included aspects of Irish writing and symbolism. Students Rian Casey and Thomas Kearney performed a selection of Irish music for Astronaut Swanson and our guests. Arriving in the school hall two senior cycle members of the Student Council, Karol Babiarz and Cian O’Keeffe introduced Commander Steve and MC’d the event. Well done and thanks to all the students and staff, especially Deputy Principal, Mr. Tom Casey, who made this historic event possible.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to past pupil Jack Enright for making this event happen. Jack’s work as a physicist in Quantum Gravity has led him to working with NASA. For the last two years he has also worked with ISSET, an organisation dedicated to leveraging the wonders of space exploration to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Thanks to Ross Barber of ISSET for his support with this occasion. Prior to this Jack also organised with our staff a Science, Technology, Engineering, (Apprenticeships), and Maths (STE(A)M) night for students in our school. Thank you, Jack, for continuing to share your enthusiasm for STEM with your alma mater.

This event could not have happened without the backing of Dell Technologies and their VP Regional CIO for EMEA & Cork Site Leader, Bob Savage, and Niall Ring, Regional Manager, Central & Eastern Europe, both alumni of the school and Marguerite Coleman, Site Strategist, Business Ops, Dell Technologies. Thank you all.

The presence of Astronaut Steve Swanson served as a source of inspiration and awe, sparking curiosity, and igniting imaginations. His words resonated deeply with both students and staff, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and reach for the stars.