A Message From Our Co-Chairs..

Dr. G. Edward Hughes	Abbie Combs

Dear Friend,

On June 30, 2000 the Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky finished its first complete fiscal year of operations with its 35011 simulated space mission. Since opening on March 11, 1999 almost I 0,000 students have participated in these missions and have gotten perhaps the only glimpse they'll ever have of life from 200 miles above the surface of the earth or on the surface of Mars. Teachers, students, parents, and casual observers have been thrilled by the experience and are amazed by the fact that the only place in rural America this unique experience is available is here in Hazard, Kentucky. We truly do have an exceptional facility and an extraordinary opportunity to inspire young people to look beyond their immediate environment and to "reach for the stars" in their future.

This annual report is our first attempt to thank all the people and institutions responsible for giving our community this wonderful opportunity and to document our history and lay out our future. Without an all out team effort from our government, educational, and community leaders, and private corporations and citizens throughout our region, the Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky would never have been the first rural site ever approved by the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Without that continuing team effort and support, our inaugural mission would have never taken place and our plans for the future would certainly never be realized. Without our dedicated staff, the space adventure that so many students have received during their simulated mission would not be so memorable. So, I hope that as you read our annual report that you will join us in reflecting on our history, celebrating our accomplishments, thanking our many supporters, and anticipating our bright future. I believe that the Challenger astronauts that lost their lives on that tragic day in 1986 would truly be proud of the Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky and I hope you are too. The mission continues!!

Sincerely,

Dr. G. Edward Hughes & Abbie Combs Co-Chairs of the