Collins High School in Shelbyville to receive tree that flew around moon on NASA mission

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Shelbyville, Kentucky, school will receive a tree that flew around the moon on a NASA mission.

Collins High School will receive one of 50 trees that went around the moon on NASA's Artemis I mission in 2022.

Karen McPherson, a Talented and Gifted instructor for Shelby County Public Schools, worked with students at Collins to apply for the opportunity.

According to a news release, the students described their ability to care for the tree, where they would plant it and received donations from a local Lowe's store to build proper fencing.

The tree is expected to arrive at the school on Discovery Boulevard on May 6 or 7. The tree will be planted on May 8 and a dedication will follow on May 10.

One of Collins High School's Alum Alora Mazarakis, works for NASA and was on the Artemis team.

"A new era of Moon trees will one day stand tall in communities across America," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a news release. "NASA is bringing the spirit of exploration back down to Earth because space belongs to everyone. The Artemis Generation will carry forth these seedlings that will be fertile ground for creativity, inspiration, and discovery for years to come."

Since returning to Earth, tree seeds have been germinating under the care of United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

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