About Us

Magi Whitaker
Proponent
Challenger Learning Center Emerging Site (Oklahoma City)

The founding family members of Challenger Center refer to Challenger Learning Centers as living memorials to the 51-L crew. What does it mean to you when you hear that you are "continuing their mission?"

This is a key point in creating a Challenger Learning Center. To "continue the mission" means to create excitement and interest in science/math/technology education and aerospace career opportunities.

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How do you think a Challenger Learning Center will change your community, especially in its commitment to education?

I think the Challenger Learning Center will provide a much-needed "shot in the arm" for education in our state. It will put a positive focus on science, math, and technology education, and provide a venue for creating cutting-edge curricula for educators across the state. If all we do is create a better awareness of educational and career opportunities for our children, I will consider this a success; but I believe we will do much more!

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What do you remember most about the Challenger mission and its crew?

I remember the excitement in the educational community when the Teacher in Space program was announced. I followed the announcements, as the first teacher was chosen and the mission approached launch. I watched in despair as I prepared for a Girl Scout meeting when the shuttle exploded. The entire experience had no little part in my decision to become a teacher. The families’ dedication and determination to keep the spirit of the mission alive serves as an inspiration to educators and parents everywhere to keep "touching the future."

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If someone were to ask you about the value of a Challenger Learning Center program, how would you respond?

This is the hardest question of all. I would have to say, “What is the value of a child’s imagination, or her success?” How valuable is it when a child discovers that she or he can be successful in something important?

What is the dollar value of the light in a child’s face when she realizes that she knows the answer without any hesitation? I watched the astronauts from the introduction of the Gemini 7 to the disintegration of the Columbia and wanted to be part of that grand dream. I may never fly in a spaceship, but maybe one of my students will. If we can provide a place to inspire our children to "reach for the stars," what is the value of that?

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Where is the new Challenger Learning Center to be located?

The Challenger Learning Center of Oklahoma City will be located near the terminal of the Will Rogers International Airport, next door to the 99s International Headquarters and Museum of Women Pilots. We will be on the corner of South Meridian and Amelia Earhart Drive.

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Why did your community decide to build a Challenger Learning Center?

Because we recognize the need for educational opportunities that focus on the rapidly expanding field of aerospace, and feel that a Challenger Learning Center will help provide that focus.

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What is it about the organization’s mission that appealed to you?

The mission of Challenger Center for Space Science Education is for ALL children, not just the "talented and gifted" ones. As a multi-state certified Special Education teacher, I am quite familiar with the educational opportunities that are (or are not!) available for our students. Who knows where the next Einstein or Pasteur will come from?

It is our duty as parents and educators to see to it that as many children as possible are exposed to as many opportunities as possible. Children need us to show them all the doors…an unseen door is a closed one!

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