22nd July- 10th Aug 1999
Dux Jennifer Nickerson (16) and Stuart Wright (17) are the two pupils selected for the trip of a lifetime from July 22 to August 10.
They will meet astronauts and scientists on the cutting edge of space research. And they will be part of a group that includes pupils from other parts of the UK, Russia, Germany and France.
"It's a massive feather in the cap for Girvan Academy," said rector Stuart Birnie.
He praised physics teacher Bill Swiatek's initiative in cultivating links with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in the USA.
Mr Swiatek said: "It's come about through e-mails and computer links, and it has helped that a former Girvan pupil is head of a NASA research centre.
"He is Dr Harry McDonald, who went to Girvan High School in the 1950s, and who is now in charge of the Ames Research Centre in California." Jennifer and Stuart are two of Mr Swiatek's star physics pupils, and both sat Highers in the subject.
Jennifer hopes to be a vet, while Stuart aims to study physics and astronomy at St Andrew's University.
This page contains publicity obtained by Girvan Academy for the 2 students who attended Space School in 1999
But two Academy pupils landed places at this summer's event - all expenses paid! Jennifer Nickerson and Stuart Wright (both 17) were chosen to boldly go where no Girvan pupils had gone before. And they were among 44 pupils from 12 countries picked for the 18-day mission.
Jennifer and Stuart stayed with host families in Houston and enjoyed a programme of activities including lectures, visits and social events.
They ate breakfast with astronauts and met John Young, one of a handful of men who have walked on the moon.
They also saw a space shuttle break back into the earth's atmosphere, and were present at the de-briefing of the shuttle crew.
Stuart said: "That was where I got to shake hands with US vice-president Al Gore!" The trip came about after Girvan Academy physics teacher Bill Swiatek developed e-mail links with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
These included former Girvan High School pupil Dr Harry Macdonald, who is now in charge of a NASA research centre in California.
Mr Swiatek set an essay test to select two from among 16 of his best pupils.
They had to say why they would like to go to Houston, and personality was taken into account, as well as ability in science.
Houston businessman Geoff Mules, originally from Wales, fundraises with his Celtic music band to make the annual dream trip possible for the international youngsters
George Abbey, NASA Centre director at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, handed over the gifts. He was accompanied by Geoff and Annette Mules, founders of the International Space School, which Girvan pupils have visited.
Official NASA photographer Hyang Lloyd was also with the group.
The visit strengthened links originally established by NASA's Dr Henry Macdonald and Girvan Academy's Bill Swiatek.
Dr Macdonald is a former pupil of the old Girvan High School, and head physics teach Mr Swiatek got in touch with him via the Internet.
Dr Macdonald helped arrange for Girvan Academy pupils Jennifer Nickerson and Stuart Wright to spend three weeks at the International Space Camp last summer.
The duo did so well that the NASA party decided to take a trip to Girvan while on a visit to Glasgow.
The NASA party had a taste of Scotland in a lunch of broth, followed by haggis, neeps and tatties, then trifle.
First Year pupils did a great job serving the lunch, and special needs pupils made heather brocades which were presented to guests.
A display of piping and Highland dancing was arranged by the music department, and Ailsa Courtney gave an excellent rendition of Willie Wassle. Provost Liz Foulkes presented the NASA visitors with a South Ayrshire plaque and personal gifts.
The visitors took time to tour the school and speak with staff and pupils.
They also had a brief tour of the town, including the harbour area, and returned to Glasgow via Burns Cottage.
Girvan Academy hopes to be asked to send two more pupils to the International Space School this summer.
Mr Mules runs a successful scaffolding business in the USA and funds visits from pupils all over the world.