Port Jervis High School sophomore selected for NASA program
 

Port Jervis High School sophomore Joseph Mannion was selected by NASA to participate in its Interdisciplinary National Science Program Incorporating Research Experience, also known as Inspire. The Inspire project is designed to encourage students in grades nine through 12 to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Mannion and more than 1,700 distinguished students from around the country will participate in an online learning community in which they have the opportunity to interact with their peers and NASA engineers and scientists. It also provides appropriate grade-level educational activities, discussion boards and chat rooms for participants and their families to gain exposure to the many career opportunities at NASA.

The selected students will have the option to compete for workshops and internships at NASA facilities and participating universities throughout the nation during the summer of 2010. The summer experience provides students a hands-on opportunity to investigate careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The INSPIRE project is part of NASA's education efforts to engaging and retaining students in disciplines critical to the agency's missions.

Mannion, who is a high honor roll student at Port Jervis High School, has participated in the NASA Space Camp the past two summers at the U. S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL.

Last year, Mannion excelled as a member of the Port Jervis Math Team, winning the Mid-Hudson Junior Math League Highest Point Award for the 2008-09 season. He is also a member of the High School Band and the Raider Cross Country track team.

He is the son of John and Doris Mannion of Montague, NJ.