Recently, the community had the opportunity to learn about NASA astronauts living and working aboard the International Space Station during the prolonged stay of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Focused on their daily activities and preparations for a safe return to Earth in March, the highlight of the event was the inspiring connection between local students and space exploration.

Students at Denbigh High School’s Aviation Academy are gaining firsthand experience working on equipment used in space—thanks to a strong partnership with NASA through the HUNCH (High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware) program. Since 2016, these students have assembled lockers that are essential for storing science materials, clothing, and food aboard the International Space Station. As part of their projects, students sign the lockers and receive photos of their work in space, creating a meaningful link between their efforts and real-world applications.

“It’s an amazing experience to build things for use in space,” said Caleb White, an eleventh-grade student involved in the program. “We know that when we sign our work and see NASA’s pictures, our efforts are making a difference.”

Throughout the years, the Aviation Academy has contributed numerous lockers and other hardware, working on each stage—from assembly to storage—while adhering to strict quality standards. This year, students inspected and assembled doors for upcoming lockers, which will be used to store vital supplies for astronauts.

“Precision is critical—any defect or contaminant could jeopardize an astronaut’s safety,” explained Neal Witherspoon, HUNCH adviser and instructor of the Aviation Maintenance Technology I course. Students wear gloves and utilize specialized tools to handle minute metal parts, ensuring every product meets rigorous standards.

Using blueprint drawings, student teams attach fasteners and inspect hundreds of parts to prepare for final assembly. Items with defects or marks are set aside for further evaluation and cleaning. Because these lockers are “flight ready” with zero defects—free of scratches or sharp edges—the students learn the importance of meticulous quality control.

The project provides students with the opportunity to develop skills such as reading blueprints, using specialized tools, and performing detailed inspections—skills that mirror those employed by NASA engineers. This direct connection between classroom learning and potential career paths exemplifies the program’s core mission.

“We tie everything into real-world applications, especially in our curriculum,” Witherspoon emphasized. “Our students work with metal, fasteners, and tools that directly relate to aircraft maintenance mechanics—a field they can pursue with confidence.”

Caleb White reflected on the broader value of the project: “All of this has to be precise and done correctly—that’s a principle that applies to any workfield. Knowing that something I built is on the space station would be pretty cool—and it’s a resume addition that stands out.”

The NASA HUNCH program exemplifies how hands-on, challenging projects can foster student engagement, practical skill development, and a sense of pride in contributing to space exploration.

“Everyone here loves a good challenge,” White concluded. “This gives us the chance to be active and involved, instead of just sitting at a desk. It’s a real-world experience that prepares us for whatever path we choose.”