VERMILION, OHIO — Vermilion High School hosted a rare and inspiring event on May 23, 2025, as students participated in a live video conversation with astronaut Anne McClain aboard the International Space Station. The experience was made possible through NASA’s In-Flight Education Downlink program, in partnership with NASA Glenn Research Center’s Office of STEM Engagement.
The live Q&A began at 10:10 a.m. and served as the centerpiece of a morning dedicated to space exploration, science education, and student achievement.
STEM Engagement Sets the Stage
NASA Glenn’s STEM Engagement team opened the program with a dynamic presentation that encouraged students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Speakers outlined NASA’s internship programs and highlighted the importance of curiosity, resilience, and early career exploration.
David Alexander from NASA Glenn provided an overview of the downlink process and emphasized the significance of the opportunity. Several presenters, including the agency’s internship program manager, spoke directly to students about building futures with NASA.
A Comfortable Space for Families
Families of the students whose questions were selected were invited to a reception in the Senior Lounge, located across from the cafeteria. The lounge remained open before and after the downlink, offering coffee, pastries, cheese and veggie trays, and desserts prepared by Vermilion’s cafeteria staff. A looping video played in the background as families mingled with educators, VIPs, and NASA representatives for photos and informal conversations.
The event was locally coordinated by Marlayna Jacinto, an intervention specialist at Vermilion High School, known to students and staff as “Mrs. J.” She was widely credited throughout the program for helping organize the experience and facilitating the connection between students and NASA.
A Direct Line to Space
When the feed opened, Anne McClain appeared onscreen from orbit and spent 25 minutes answering questions submitted by Vermilion students. McClain, a U.S. Army colonel, helicopter pilot, and NASA astronaut, spent 204 days aboard the International Space Station during Expeditions 58 and 59. She is currently part of NASA’s Artemis program and serves as the commander of SpaceX Crew-10, which launched earlier this year.
She described the daily routines of astronauts, how they maintain mental health in isolation, and the types of experiments being conducted aboard the ISS.
One student asked about coping strategies for long missions. McClain replied that astronauts stay grounded through communication with family, a strong team culture, and purposeful work. She also spoke about the future of spaceflight, encouraging students to imagine their own roles in the next generation of exploration.
Closing Reflections
Retired NASA engineer Bob Kowalski, who spent his career at NASA Glenn, closed the program with a brief address. He reflected on his own path into aerospace engineering and encouraged students to keep asking questions and following their interests.
Following the downlink, guests returned to the Senior Lounge to take photos with students and continue conversations sparked by the event.
A Message That Lingers
As the auditorium emptied and students returned to class, one message echoed above all others—spoken by both NASA staff and an astronaut in orbit: you can do anything you put your mind to. Whether it came from David Alexander urging students to imagine new futures, or from Anne McClain sharing her journey from Spokane to space, the day’s takeaway was clear. For some students in the room, the countdown toward careers in science, engineering, or exploration had already begun.
Anne answered more student questions that she was unable to during the presentation due to time constraints. ⬇️
