CHS Football team Soars into Space at Maumus’ Planetarium

The football standouts of today witnessed the stars of yesterday and tomorrow when the Chalmette High School Football team recently visited the Maumus Center Planetarium in Old Arabi for a team-building excursion and an enlightening morning of science.

Nearly 60 players from CHS took part in the field trip led by Alisha Capstick, the director of science at the planetarium. During her sixty-minute presentation, Capstick utilized the sci-dome technology in the state of the art venue to show the student athletes an array of interesting things, including a space view of their hometown, the night sky of Venice in 1610 when Gallelio was observing Jupiter’s moons, and a visually striking video of Earth and its presence within the macrocosm of space. Mrs. Capstick ended her presentation with a bit of fun by taking the team for a “ride” on a handful of immersive cosmic roller coaster simulations.

This marked the first field trip of the year for St. Bernard Parish Public School students, as well as the first of many student-centered adventures in the Maumus center under its new directors. While Capstick launched the Owls into space, building director Barry Lemoine coordinated with Arabi Food Store to provide po-boys for the team and utilized the technology in the cafeteria to show some inspirational sports videos while the players enjoyed lunch. 

Coach Jason Tucker said the team enjoyed the experience.  “The Maumus facility and planetarium are really amazing, and we really appreciate Mrs. Capstick taking her time teaching and inspiring our players. I’d like to thank her, Barry,my assistant coaches,  and of course, Max Landry and the folks at the Arabi Food Store for taking such good care of us. It was a good day for our team.”

Capstick said she was happy for the opportunity to present.  “This was my first show of the year, and having the football team visit was a  great kick off for the planetarium’s new season of offerings.” she said. “It’s like I told the players - whether it's in the classroom or on the football field, good things take time, effort, and commitment.  We really enjoyed having them on campus, and I’m hoping the stars truly align for a great season for the Owls this year.”