Written By: Francis Floresca
On 8 June 2018, Punchbowl Boys' High School student Sonny Liu was informed that he has been accepted to participate in the US Space Academy and Field Studies program in Huntsville, Alabama, USA. Headed by the Metropolitan South West Science Teachers Association (LAZSTA) and iSTEM, the program will provide Liu with a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity to participate in world class science enrichment and leadership development, which will be supplemented with visits to some of America's premier science centres, schools and universities. Furthermore, the program will also enable Liu to join a group of selected students in visits to popular tourist attractions in Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C.
Asked about the program, the Year 11 student simply beamed with enthusiasm as he said, "it has always been [his] dream to be an astronaut." In this light, the Punchbowl Boys' High School community has thrown its full support behind Liu with acting principal Robert Patruno stating that, "it is important to always support students as reach for the stars."
As a part of the school's efforts to support Liu, Mr Patruno enlisted the help of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs who graciously donated a jersey signed by the club's players. The jersey will be used as a raffle prize to help raise funds that will be used to make Liu's space camp dreams a reality. Backed by his family and the Punchbowl community, Liu must raise $7,000 to participate in the program.
Ms. Michelle Crutchfield, Punchbowl Boys' High School's career adviser, who helped Liu fill in his space camp application, also expressed her continued support for her student. "I think it's proof that it's important to dream big because for students at Punchbowl Boys, the sky really is the limit if they put their minds to it," Crutchfield noted.
If any Bulldogs supporters would like to donate to support Sonny on his journey to the stars. Please contact Punchbowl Boys' High for more details.
