Grace Christian third-grader wins contest

Space Science for Schools recently held an art and essay contest in conjunction with the International Year of Astronomy.

Students all over Nevada were invited to participate. Third-grader Blythe Crossley received the flier from her school, Grace Christian Academy in Minden. With the encouragement of her school and her parents, Blythe entered the 3-D art category for kindergartners through fourth-graders, creating a model of the surface of the moon complete with an astronaut and lunar module.

She checked books out of the Douglas County Public Library and submitted her essay, "The universe speaks volumes but the stars have their own stories."

On May 11, a letter was sent to her family informing them that Blythe had tied for first place with her project and would be awarded a $250 scholarship. The award ceremony was held at the North Tahoe Event Center and the entries, along with an exhibition from the International Association of Astronomical Artists, will be displayed until July 31 in the central gallery.

Blythe's family, grandparents, aunt and teacher were all in attendance.

When asked what she would like to do when she grows up, Blythe answered, "I would like to be the first girl to do a ballet dance on the moon."