Teacher first for space camp

BRADLEY AMBROSE/ Taranaki Daily News

LIFT OFF: Teacher John McLellan, back, is the first adult to be attending Nasa's annual space school. Joining him will be Patrick Harvey, 16, left, of New Plymouth Boys' High School, and India Karalus, 16, of New Plymouth Girls' High School.

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Some may be a little embarrassed to be heading back to school at 49 but not John McLellan he's over the moon.

The New Plymouth Boys' High School physics teacher is setting off for Houston, Texas this July as the first adult to attend Nasa's annual space school.

With him will be two 16-year-olds from Boys' High and New Plymouth Girls' High School, and they don't seem too worried, either.

In fact, Patrick Harvey reckons having the older and wiser cadet may come in handy. "He can check all my answers and make sure I don't embarrass myself," the year 12 Boys' High student said.

Mr McLellan won't be doing the same thing as the 40-or-so young people, who come from around 18 countries, but as a committed space-junkie he will probably feel equal awe.

"We will get to go to mission control. It's an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience," he said. "I probably am as excited as the kids."

The teacher was invited to attend the space camp as a scholar and will be in charge of leading one of the groups of students while they plan a mission to Mars.

He said the quality of the 18 Taranaki students who have preceded him on the programme had stood him in good stead to be selected.

"It's the enthusiasm, they really stand out," he said.

Both Patrick and Girls' High student India Karalus, 16, are certainly enthusiastic about the trip, which will cost them around $2000.

"It's a passion," said Patrick.

"I've been fascinated by space for most of my life."

- © Fairfax NZ News