Clubs–quite possibly the one thing keeping many students going in their educational experience. Academics, arts, and athletics are the main categories in which these clubs often fall. However, Cannon Falls High School is altering the student experience for the better with a brand new program, practically unheard of among schools of this size, or any size: colonizing Mars.
The contestants in the space race have been hurtling towards the outer reaches of the solar system since the first moon landing. “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” CFHS students are doing just that to set a new precedent for youth around the world. The Cannon Falls High School Mars Assembly for a Republic of Students (MARS) has its eyes set on the rusty red planet, planning on setting up the first sustainable colony by 2030. This starry idea is inspired by the famous 2015 film, The Martian, which led many students to look into the plausibility of establishing a real, functioning colony on Mars.
While creating a community on another planet may seem far-fetched for many, MARS members are disproving this concept, using their wide range of academic and tactical skills to make the project possible. Cannon Falls biology teacher Amanda Thompson is guiding the club to success, providing her own knowledge of human life and survival to the future astronauts. She explained that the classes she teaches are “vital in understanding how to survive in environments unlike those on Earth.” Because she is also the advisor for the environmental club, Thompson is able to give insight into what will be necessary when MARS members begin their expedition off the planet. However, she has clearly stated, “I will be staying on the planet during their trip. I will inevitably have too many tests to grade.”
The MARS is literally shooting for the stars and will stop at almost nothing to get there. Sophomore Addison Fogle thoroughly enjoys being a member of the group. “At first, I wasn’t sure about the idea. Flying in a plane is one thing, but a spaceship seemed pretty insane,” she stated. “But then I figured that you only live once, and I might as well go to Mars, because why not?” While she may have originally joined the club on a whim, Fogle has become dedicated to being the first person to set foot on the planet. She is also on track to become president of the MARS in her junior year due to her leadership skills, heavily supported by many other members.
Funding is a major concern for community members, faculty, and students alike. There is uncertainty regarding the amount of money that will be put into the project for success, and most importantly, how the Mars expedition will affect the taxpayers. Matt Montgomery, the mayor of Cannon Falls, has provided information to alleviate these concerns. “We have received an anonymous grant from a generous donor, who explained that they wanted to see Cannon Falls revolutionize the space race,” he reported. Montgomery emphasized that no additional money would be taken out of taxpayers’ wallets, as the club will continue to be funded by the anonymous donor.
Cannon Falls School District Superintendent Jeff Sampson stated that the MARS has his full support. “I look forward to seeing how the students will reach their goals,” he explained. “There has been nothing similar to this club in the history of our school, and I have no doubt that surrounding districts will want to follow our lead.”
The MARS will be accepting applications for participation at the end of this school year. Cannon Falls students are changing the way the world thinks about youth, and will inevitably see success in the near star-speckled future.
