4 minute read
LOOK TO THE STARS
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL PLANETARIUM RESTORATION TO PROMOTE S.T.E.A.M. EDUCATION
BY JACQUELYN KIMPEL
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1969, known as the year space exploration commenced, is also the year McNairy County installed a state of the art planetarium at McNairy Central High School.
When America first stepped foot on the moon and began its journey into the unknown, McNairy County opened an innovative ninemeter planetarium. It was a way to not only educate the students of McNairy County, but the citizens as well.
After nearly 30 years of use, the projector once used as the method of viewing the different radiant constellations of our galaxy, was left unrepairable and unused.
It was not, however, completely forgotten. Today, after approximately 20 years of neglect, the once loved planetarium will be restored.
What started as one senior project, a graduation requirement of McNairy Central High School, to restore the beloved planetarium, has now escalated into a three-year development undertaken by seniors of three different consecutive classes
The project was first presented by Allie Ray, a 2016 graduate of McNairy Central, who raised over $15,000 through community efforts and online fundraising. The money restored the ceiling dome and doors, locks, signage, flooring, lighting, and provided a fresh coat of paint.
For years the planetarium was used for storage, but is now restored into a fully functional classroom. The next step is to restore the projector.
Though the original projector used in 1969 is still in the building, the repair costs are the same as new equipment.
“We’re starting off fresh. The amount that it would cost to repair the original projector would be just as much to buy a whole new digital projector. I’m hoping that one day we’ll be able to get a display case and display [the original projector],” said Sarah Allison, McNairy Central science teacher and lead instructor of the project.
The original projector was stored under the floor of the classroom and an elevator would lift it out from beneath. Throughout the years of neglect, the elevator shaft became used for storage. But a new digital projector will be small enough making the elevator unnecessary.
Although a lot of money has been raised through senior projects, McNairy County received a $50,000 Asset Enhancement Grant from Tennessee Economic & Community Development and the State of Tennessee. The grant will pay for a new projector and seating.
“Everything is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Whether it’s just a nice projector and some folding chairs, something will be up and going by December,” stated Allison.
Allison and Layla Brothers, the third senior to help with the restoration, recently visited Carbondale, Ill. to witness the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017 using the event to promote the planetarium restoration and gathering donations from scientists there to witness the astronomical event.
“We passed out a bunch of fliers, so we’ll have to wait and see if we get any donations in response to that,” stated Brothers.
When asked why it’s important for the planetarium to be restored, Allison responded, “While we have a strong STEM program here at McNairy Central, we don’t really have any astronomy programs. It’s a disservice for us to have the facility and not utilize it. It would round out our STEM program.”
Brothers said about the completion of the planetarium, “I’m excited to see it working. I think it would be really cool to see it up and running. I know I’m graduating this year, but I’ve always been really interested in astronomy and never really had a way to access that. Now, future students will be able to have that access.”
If you would like to donate to the project, search MCHS Bobcat Planetarium Restoration at GoFundMe.com to donate.
The project is expected to conclude by the end of 2017.
(The planetarium is located at McNairy Central High School at 493 High School Rd., Selmer, TN. For more information contact Jessica Huff, McNairy County Tourism Director at 731-610-1399.)
