Space Cadets: Walton Library program teaches students about nebulae, galaxies

Last Updated on April 11, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network

WALTON – They boldly chose to go where few have gone before.

Some visited the Moon while others explored galaxies 40 million light years away.

In all, 21 Cass County students aged 10 to 18 volunteered to take part in the state’s only YouthAstroNet program sponsored by the Smithsonian, Harvard University, and NASA. Hosted by the Walton & Tipton Township Public Library and financially funded by the Cass County Community Foundation, students from Lewis Cass, Logansport, Pioneer, Caston, and homeschool students spent the entire month of March researching outer space.

The local program, called Dark Matters: Becoming Guardians of the Galaxies, dealt with students’ creativity. Along with researching, they were required to write a short story depicting their excursions, said Kristi Hileman, Library Director.

They kept track of various planets’ rotations.

Some  students studied other galaxies, learning how important they are to our system. They also learned rotation and the purpose behind gases, vapors, and various other outer space phenomena. Everything the students learned has been collected for research, said Hileman.

They earned a certificate of completion from the Smithsonian, Harvard University, and NASA. Students may list the achievement on their résumés.

An open house exhibit was held from 5-7 pm March 31 to recognize their hard work. With more than 100 people checking out the students’ work, they enjoyed a meat and cheese platter and a fruit platter by Logansport’s Martin’s Supermarket and cupcakes with a large chocolate tray by Kokomo’s J Edwards.

SOURCE: News release from Walton Library