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As part of a science lesson, students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School sent postcards to space, an initiative spearheaded by their science teacher, Martha McMullen (now assistant principal). The postcards returned to them in February. (Courtesy Immaculate Heart of Mary School)

IHM students herald long-awaited postcards from space


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Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools

Immaculate Heart of Mary students recently got a firsthand glimpse into the difficulties of space travel.

Students at the archdiocesan school in Baynesville received some long overdue mail, but there was a good reason for the three-year delivery time since the postcards traveled to space and back.

Students from Immaculate Heart of Mary School waited nearly three years for their postcards to return from space. (Courtesy Immaculate Heart of Mary School)

In 2022, IHM students embarked on a unique educational adventure as part of the Blue Origin Club for the Future program. 

As part of a science lesson, students at IHM sent postcards to space, an initiative spearheaded by their science teacher, Martha McMullen (now assistant principal). The program, designed to inspire young minds and foster an interest in science and space exploration, had the students designing and creating postcards to be sent aboard a Blue Origin spacecraft.

Each postcard was marked with a special stamp that read, “Flown to space on New Shepard,” referencing the reusable rocket named after astronaut Alan Shepard, the first American in space and the fifth man to walk on the moon. 

McMullen, who was inspired to participate after hearing about the program from a colleague, prepared the postcards for the big journey. “It was a great way to bring science to life for the students,” McMullen said. “The kids were beyond excited to be part of something so monumental.”

The long-awaited return of the postcards has since sparked new conversations about space exploration and its impact on education. 

“We couldn’t have asked for a more exciting surprise,” IHM Principal Sue Surine said. “This event not only made science tangible for our students, but it also showed them the incredible power of curiosity and perseverance.”

The students were told that they likely would receive their postcards back within a year, but when the postcards actually arrived three years later, the students were struck with the wonder of space travel in ways they never expected. 

The postcard delay likely was due to the popularity of the program and the limited amount of payload the spaceship could carry.

For many of the students, receiving the postcards was an exciting moment filled with nostalgia and reflection. 

Eighth grader Chloe Bell was particularly moved by the experience, saying, “It’s amazing to see how much I’ve grown as an artist.” 

Meanwhile, third grader Luke DiLeonardi, who now has a fresh perspective on his earlier work, said, “I do not remember this at all. I don’t remember drawing this!”

The Blue Origin Club for the Future program has proven to be a valuable tool in inspiring the next generation of explorers, thinkers, and creators. “I have a rare artifact!” said Luke Davis, a seventh grader.

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