The contest invited students to imagine themselves as crew members on a 30-day mission to Mars, capturing the adventures, technological marvels, and challenges they might face. Through their stories, students illustrated their own pathways toward discovery and innovation. As Athenian’s founder, Loxley Browne, expressed during the event, “If you don’t know what you’re aiming for, you’ll never hit it. Each student set out with a clear aim—a vision of Mars, a mission that called them.” This contest was not only about writing but also about inspiring young people to set ambitious goals, imagine new possibilities, and embrace the challenges ahead.

–Loxley Browne, Athenian Founder & CEO

Jim Kidrick

San Diego Air & Space Museum’s Jim Kidrick

The San Diego Air & Space Museum hosted an unforgettable press conference celebrating the conclusion of the Mission to Mars contest, a highlight of National STEM Day 2024. This iconic venue provided a perfect backdrop to honor the creativity and ingenuity of our student finalists. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Museum and its CEO, Jim Kidrick, for their incredible support and dedication to educational initiatives that inspire the next generation.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Kidrick emphasized the importance of imagination in driving innovation, encouraging attendees to look back at history to inspire their vision for the future. He reflected on how far we have come since the Wright Brothers’ groundbreaking flight in 1903, urging young minds to harness creativity to design the tools and technologies that will propel humanity forward.

With the perfect blend of history and innovation setting the tone, Mr. Kidrick introduced Loxley Browne, Founder and CEO of Athenian, and the visionary behind the Mission to Mars contest. It was a powerful moment that underscored the collaborative spirit of this event and its mission to prepare young people for a future of limitless possibilities.

Loxley Browne

Julie Newman

Mission to Mars Special Guest & Presenter

The keynote speaker, Julie Newman, an aerospace engineer with an impressive career spanning SpaceX, NASA JPL, and Boeing, delivered a powerful message. Known for her book, Pull Don’t Push: Why STEM Messaging to Girls Isn’t Working & What to Do Instead, Newman shared her journey in the space industry, offering insights that encouraged students to stay curious, set bold goals, and work hard to achieve their dreams. She reminded the audience that the road to success in STEM is as much about creativity and resilience as it is about technical knowledge.

Drumroll Please…

The event celebrated seven exceptional young finalists whose stories were shortlisted for publication in the Mission to Mars book. These talented students came from across the country, each bringing a unique vision of space exploration:

Clark Balboa – 7th Grade, Phoenix, AZ
Jaidyn Rethman – 9th Grade, Saginaw, MI
Jayan Bandhu – 7th Grade, Clarkville, CA
Marijka Ristic – 9th Grade, Willow Springs, IL
Samuel Hugi – 8th Grade, Lowman, ID
Sreshta Mothukuri – 10th Grade, Plymouth, MN
Thomas Diepstraten – 7th Grade, Idaho City, ID

As the event progressed, three outstanding stories were announced earning publication in the official Mission to Mars book, which will now become a treasured piece of inspiration.

Julie Newman, Jaidyn Rethman – 1st Place Author,  Zachary Sharpell, Loxley Browne

1st Place

Jaidyn Rethman
Mission to Mars: The Final Frontier
Future Career: Aerospace Engineer
Saginaw, Michigan
9th Grade

“We’re driven by a sense of purpose and the excitement of discovery.”

A gripping story that captivates both your scientific and imaginative intrigue as she describes the journey to Mars in such a way that you feel as though you are on that ship. Each twist, turn, emotion, and adventure are so vivid, it is as if a movie plays in your mind -you can visualize the scene and imagine what it would feel like to be embarking on such an incredible adventure.

2nd Place

Marijka Ristic
Mission to Mars: Beyond the Frontier

Future Career: Life Sciences & Aviation
Willow Springs, Illinois
9th Grade

In a unique combination of space diary and informative research descriptions, this story gives insight not only into the personal experiences that could be experienced on the journey to Mars but also the science behind getting there.

3rd Place

Thomas Diepstraten
Future Career: Engineer & Software Development
Idaho City, Idaho
7th Grade

This was an exciting story about an interesting set of characters working together as a crew, dealing with challenge after challenge, from sickness to spacecraft damage, and ending as a spine-tingling cliffhanger.

Thomas Diepstraten, 3rd Place

Clark Balboa, Finalist

Mission to Mars Patch

Another highlight of the event was the announcement of the winning Mission Patch design—a symbol that captures the spirit of the mission and the creativity of the students. This patch represents the vision, ingenuity, and determination of the young creators, embodying the excitement of future exploration and discovery.

The Athenian Mission to Mars patch design symbolizes humanity’s bold leap into interplanetary exploration. The five crew members are represented by five figures, embodying not only the astronauts on this journey but the global community united in pursuit of space exploration. Their presence signifies how much this mission means to the people of Earth.

The capsule, depicted on its final approach toward Mars, rises with the sun cresting above it, signifying a new dawn for humanity and the beginning of a new chapter in space exploration. The four stars encircling the patch mirror the points of a compass, representing discovery, adventure, and the uncharted territories awaiting exploration on Mars.

The last names of the crew members are displayed prominently on the patch, honoring their commitment to this groundbreaking mission. Their journey is a testament to the determination and collective effort of the global team driving humanity’s dream of becoming an interplanetary species.

Preparing for “Future Me”

Athenian structured the Mission to Mars project to provide an inspiring yet manageable experience for participants. Starting with creating a “Future Me” vision, students imagined everything from their future colleges and careers to the core beliefs and milestones that would define their lives. The project included expert interviews with industry leaders and writers like Garth Stein, sessions that gave students insights into various STEM fields, and guided writing prompts organized into a 30-day mission journal. For those with artistic inclinations, the mission patch design opportunity allowed students to translate their ideas into a visual emblem.

Diving Deep into Aviation History

The VIP tour of the San Diego Air & Space Museum offered a fascinating deep dive into the evolution of flight, beginning with the Wright Brothers’ groundbreaking leap from bicycle makers to aviation pioneers. Our expert docent guided us through the museum’s treasures, each artifact revealing a story that painted a vivid picture of the journey from Kitty Hawk to modern aviation. The tour transcended the ordinary with a visit to the museum’s basement, where antiquities and rare items were stored, evoking an “Indiana Jones” adventure as relics and their untold stories awaited discovery around every corner.

A highlight of the experience was the chance to learn about a remarkable volunteer project—a replica of Howard Hughes’ iconic H-1 Racer. This aircraft, a masterpiece of design and engineering, was developed by Hughes and Richard Palmer, built by Glenn Odekirk, to be the fastest landplane in the world. On September 13, 1935, Hughes proved its prowess by setting a world speed record of 352 mph in Santa Ana, California. The aircraft also showcased versatility, featuring two wing configurations: a short span for speed and a longer span for transcontinental flight. It was with this long span that Hughes achieved another milestone on January 19, 1937, breaking the transcontinental speed record by flying from Los Angeles to Newark in just over seven hours at an average speed of 332 mph.

This blend of history, innovation, and hands-on projects exemplified the museum’s dedication to inspiring creativity and preserving the rich legacy of aviation for future generations.

As National STEM Day came to a close, the students, families, and supporters left with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. Loxley Browne summed it up perfectly in her speech: “Today, we celebrate your creativity, your ambition, and your courage to dream big. You are the future, and the future is bright. Keep aiming high, keep dreaming big, and keep doing the work to bring those dreams to life. This journey doesn’t end here—it’s just beginning.”

Support Our Future Leaders!

At Athenian, we empower the next generation of leaders in STREAM fields.

Our mission is to equip middle and high school students with the skills, resources, and confidence to excel in  –  science, technology, research, engineering, arts, and mathematics – shaping the innovators of tomorrow.

The transportation industry is experiencing a groundbreaking evolution, fueled by innovation, connectivity, and shifting consumer expectations. Thriving in this dynamic environment requires a diverse and inclusive workforce capable of tackling challenges with creativity and forward-thinking solutions. Athenian is proud to play a pivotal role in cultivating that talent.