Pinecrest Academy Students Make Successful Contact with NASA Astronaut

Students at Pinecrest Academy, a private PreK3-12 Catholic School in Cumming, Georgia, got to talk directly with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station on September 30, 2025. A panel of designated students asked questions of NASA Astronaut, Col. Mike Fincke, during a contact that began at exactly 11:57am EST. The contact was made possible through amateur radio, managed by members of the North Fulton Amateur Radio Club.

This educational activity is operated by the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) Program, which promotes learning opportunities as part of the STEM (Science, Technology, Education and Math) initiative.

The astronaut contact was awarded to Pinecrest Academy upon completion of a months-long application process spearheaded by Dr. Joseph Baxley, High School History/Social Studies Department Chair. Only three schools/organizations in the United States were selected for Fall 2025, and Pinecrest Academy was the only school selected in the State of Georgia.

"This assembly was so much greater than I ever could have imagined,” commented Mrs. Amy Bowman, Pinecrest Academy High School Principal. “To see the looks of joy and wonder on the faces of the students made the months of preparation completely worth it. What a memorable moment for our entire community."

The ARISS Astronaut Contact experience is designed to inspire in students an interest in exploration, scientific inquiry, engineering, collaboration, problem solving and teamwork, and to create genuine, childlike wonder through glimpsing the vastness and beauty of the universe.

Pinecrest administrators and teachers have been implementing an education plan rich with STEAM-based educational activities since last winter, to prepare students for their astronaut contact and to create an ongoing exploration and interest in aerospace and amateur radio.

During the long-awaited ARISS assembly, students participated in programming that preceded the actual contact – including a welcome by Mrs. Amy Bowman, High School Principal, a blessing by Fr. Michael O’Connor, one of Pinecrest’s chaplains, the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of the National Anthem, led by high school students, and a space trivia contest.

Just prior to contact, students watched a video about ARISS, followed by a video by Col. Mike Finke, providing a biographical history leading up to his present role on the International Space Station. Dr. Joseph Baxley made the connection with Astronaut Mike Fincke via amateur radio, as students came up to the microphone and each asked a question. Col. Fincke addressed each student by name as he answered 20 pre-selected questions. Watch a recorded live stream of the contact event.

Students were given “finger lights” that created a star-like sparkle when activated, and the gym was decorated in a space theme, complete with planets hanging from the stage ceiling, twinkling lights, and a 7-foot rocket next to the stage. An astronaut walked among the audience, getting students excited for the contact.

“I am glad that our students were able to experience the great privilege of speaking with Col. Fincke on the ISS,” commented Dr. Joseph Baxley, Pinecrest Academy High School History Chair. “I hope the wonder of the moment can shape their lives and that they have a deeper appreciation for the beauty of creation. I also hope that some of them are motivated to pursue that beauty through the sciences and engineering.”

Said Mr. Daryl Young, ARISS Mentor, “I am proud to be an ARISS volunteer, and bringing this personal astronaut experience to the students is the most meaningful and rewarding endeavor I have been involved in. Witnessing the students’ excitement and intrigue during this ARISS contact is my compensation for the efforts required to bring this event to Pinecrest Academy,” he continued. “As an ARISS volunteer, I am pleased and honored to bring this once-in-a-lifetime experience, a live conversation with an astronaut in space, to the students of Pinecrest.”