The Dudley Observatory

Press Release 5/17/06

Contact: Janie Schwab FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

518-382-7583

info@dudleyobservatory.org

DUDLEY OBSERVATORY 2006 AWARDS CEREMONY, RECEPTION AND STARGAZING

Awarding our Brightest Stars

Allowing kids to reach for the stars is priceless. Every summer, The Dudley Observatory provides budding astronomers with opportunities to experience the joys of astronomy and astrophysics, first hand. This year, on May 23 at 8pm The Henry Hudson Planetarium will host The Dudley Observatory Award ceremony, where 11 deserving students will receive a variety of summer opportunities, helping them achieve their dreams.

The 2006 Rising Star Internship winners are Jonathan Bruce of St. Johnsville Middle School, Daniel Bacchi of Notre-Dame-Bishop Gibbons High School, George Schoenfeld of Scotia-Glenville Middle School, Eric Turner of Northville Central School and Andrea Fortman, Rick Darling and Wilberte Mathurin of Schalmont High School. Each will receive a telescope and will be mentored by a member of the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers while learning how to locate celestial objects and how to provide astronomy education programs in their schools and communities.

The Albert Hessberg 2nd Astronomy Campership Award will go to Rebekah Sokol of Albany Academy for Girls. The award covers her tuition and travel expenses to attend the Advanced Astronomy Camp in Tucson Arizona, where she will conduct astronomical research with professional astronomers at Arizona University’s mountaintop observatory.

Matthew Hosek of Ballston Spa High School, Thomas Nastvogel of Guilderland High School and Jen Skevington of Emma Willard, will spend one unforgettable week at one of the best teaching observatories in the U.S. These three winners are among a select group of participants who will attend the Summer Institute in Astronomy at Alfred University. The Institute is conducted at the Stull Observatory, which is equipped with telescopes ranging from 8 to 32 inches in diameter, electronic detectors and support computers.

Please join us in welcoming these outstanding young winners! Refreshments will be served.

Tuesday, May 23 at 8:00 PM
Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center

25 Quackenbush Square, Albany

RSVP 382-7583

###

If you’d like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Dudley Observatory Executive Director, Janie Schwab, please call 518-382-7583, or e-mail Janie Schwab at info@dudleyobservatory.org.