More good news for Kiera Wilmot!

When news broke of the severe punishment facing Wilmot over a science experiment, she received widespread support from thousands of people across the country; including former NASA engineer Homer Hickam. 

Hickam’s famous memior – Rocket Boys – was turned into a film called October Sky, starring Jake Gyllenhaal. He can identify with Wilmot’s situation; he himself had the police called on him for a science experiment he conducted as a young man.

As a show of support, Hickman awarded Kiera a scholarship to attend the United States Advanced Space Academy (ASA), a branch of the famous Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama!

From Space Ref:

Kiera has accepted Hickam’s scholarship offer. Kiera’s mother, Marie Wilmot, works at the Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (www.fipr.state.fl.us) and is excited that Kiera has been provided this opportunity. “Kiera is a bright, imaginative young lady who loves science, technology, engineering and math – and she also loves music and art. In today’s terminology, they would refer to it as STEAM, which is the STEM field with the arts added in. Kiera joined her middle school Robotics Team, which is where her love of robotics began. She is very excited at this opportunity and is intrigued by Mr. Hickam’s story. We have ordered the movie October Sky and will be checking out his books. She would like to speak with Mr. Hickam and would like to meet him in person someday.”

Hickam is delighted that Kiera will be going to the Space Academy which is internationally known for its educational programs. “I think she will feel right at home,” Hickam says, “because she will be with other students just like her who are intensely interested in science and space.”

Read more at Space Ref

Though Kiera has been through a lot, I’m sure it feels incredibly gratifying to receive such widespread support.

Good luck at ASA, Kiera!

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