The National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education (NCASE) presented the Mervin K. Strickler Aerospace Education Award to James (Jim) and Angela Thompson on Thursday of last week during the monthly luncheon of the Aero Club of Washington. The award, presented by Rol Murrow, Vice President of NCASE, was in recognition of the husband and wife team for outstanding achievements in the field of aerospace education and the development of the Blue Skies Foundation and its outstanding “Aim Higher Program.”
In 1995, NCASE established the Dr. Mervin K. Strickler Jr. Award to honor Dr. Strickler and recognize individuals or organizations that share his personal commitment and lifelong contributions to aerospace education. Dr. Strickler has promoted aerospace education for more than 55 years and is considered the “father” of aerospace education.
Using the motivational force of aviation to inspire interest and learning and in teaching STEM is the basis for Blue Skies Foundation and the Aim Higher Program. The number of students reached through Jim and Angela Thompson’s efforts this year passed 1,000 and will continue to increase annually as new schools and individual students are added to the programs. (Pictured above are from left, Jim and Angela Thompson and Dr. Lee Siudzinski, Executive Director, Blue Sky Foundation.)
