This year, Ukiah High’s Machine Shop students are upping their game and making parts for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Project HUNCH. Students within the program are able to learn about modern technology, and have the opportunity to “launch their careers”.
According to the NASA Project HUNCH website, students create designs and fabricate products for NASA. These products will eventually be used for the International Space Station, the training of NASA astronauts, flight controllers, and recipes for food.
Ukiah High’s Machine Shop teacher Jay Monetesonti said the program is “a good experience for the students and even myself. To be able to make something, even if it is little- the fact that something we created is going to get launched up into space is pretty cool and a great opportunity.”
Mr. Montesonti celebrated Ukiah High senior Connor Snodgrass, for his dedication towards Project HUNCH. Snodgrass says that “just the thought that something I made or I helped create is in space is super cool.”
Snodgrass spoke to what it felt like participating in a program in collaboration with NASA say,, “it feels like we are special in a way, it’s not every day that a ‘normal person’ gets to make a part for NASA. Especially from our small town.”
Speaking of our small town, Montesonti celebrated how big this is for Ukiah High “I think that it is massive. It has never happened before and to be able to give Ukiah High the opportunity to be a part of this program is huge and can put our little school on the map.”
