Bismarck’s Young Luminary Soars to Space Contest Victory and Embarks on Kennedy Space Center Adventure!

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – A young scholar from Bismarck has returned home following an extraordinary experience. Nine-year-old Nevaya Ternes has finalized her mission with NASA and is prepared to share her findings.

Nevaya was one of merely eight students nationwide chosen to travel to Florida for a space expedition as part of the 2024 SpaceKids Global Press Squad. The initiative took youngsters to Kennedy Space Center where they learned to report on various aspects of outer space, and as Neveya and her mother recount, the limitless expanse of space has a unique ability to bring individuals closer together.

“I am truly eager to discover different aspects of our galaxy and universe,” stated Nevaya.

“I once read a book that mentioned a nebula waterfall, and in a million years, Mars might boast rings due to its moon, Phobos, potentially disintegrating,” explained Nevaya.

Nevaya and her mother, Sarah Ternes, have arrived back home in Bismarck and are already reflecting on their wonderful mission.

“We submitted her name simply because she adores space so much, and I believe it was in June when we received a notification that she was one of 24 finalists out of about 1,100 applicants,” shared Sarah.

Upon discovering that her aspirations of reaching space were one light-year nearer, Nevaya’s reaction was truly extraordinary.

“I leaped up and down, and my siblings hurried up the stairs of the cabin to give me a big hug. My mom was crying tears of joy,” stated Nevaya.

From visiting Blue Origin’s Rocket Park to touring NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and interviewing real astronauts, these aspiring space travelers explored Florida through SpaceKids Global.

While a journey to NASA brings back some amazing keepsakes, Neveya and her mother express that they are most thrilled about the bonds they’ve formed throughout the experience.

“I was able to make friends, and I hope that these friendships endure forever,” mentioned Nevaya.

“I’m a bit of a science enthusiast as well. She enjoys science, loves reading, and all of that. So, we were able to connect through that and discuss various topics during the trip that we don’t typically get to talk about,” explained Sarah.

Moreover, while exploring space, Neveya uncovered a bit about her own character too.

“I discovered that I am nice and kind, and that I would undoubtedly be a future astronaut,” concluded Nevaya.

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