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Out-Of-This-World Anniversary

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com

Published: October 8, 2008

TAMPA - Rising from the orchestra pit in a cloud of smoke, and surrounded by Stewart Middle Magnet School students in blue jumpsuits, Cpt. Winston Scott made quite an entrance to the Blake High School auditorium.

With the theme from "2001: A Space Odyssey" playing, students cheered for the retired astronaut in celebration of NASA's 50th anniversary.

"It's very important I and other professionals come out and spend time with the kids," said Scott of Melbourne, who has been on three spacewalks. "We've got to inspire the next generation. The future of our country and world depends on them."

Stewart, 1125 Spruce St., is a magnet school that uses space exploration and technology to teach science, math, writing and reading. Students also mentor fifth-graders at Dunbar and Macfarlane Park elementary schools.

"We want a hands-on atmosphere," said Lynn McDaniel, head of Stewart's NASA Explorer Program.

Scott also spoke with Dunbar and MacFarlane Park students at a second presentation Oct. 1, the date the National Aeronautics and Space Administration opened its doors in 1958.

"We need more scientists," he said. "Magnet programs like this inspire them and catches their interest early. We need that at NASA and as a country."

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661.

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