Sandra Giordano, a proud alumna of Montclair State University, former teacher and dedicated principal, heads the groundbreaking Heart of ARC and ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) partnership. Heart of ARC, formerly known as Immaculate Heart of Mary School, is an organization formed after the school’s closure to continue fostering creativity, innovation, and education for students.

Under the leadership of Sandra Giordano, the Heart of ARC is proud to bring together former IHM students for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a live connection with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through the prestigious Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program.

Under the Heart of ARC Program, students will engage with astronauts to learn about life, work, and experiments aboard the ISS. This program serves to bridge the arts and sciences by combining research, creativity, and communication. As part of the Heart of ARC’s mission to combine STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) with the creativity of the arts, students have worked on space-themed projects, created artwork inspired by the cosmos, and engaged in research that prepares them for this unique opportunity to interact with astronauts.

Slated to be held on February 10th, this incredible event is being hosted by the Clifton Arts Center in New Jersey, whose gracious support has made it possible for the students to connect with the ISS from this inspiring location. The program showcases the organization’s commitment to integrating science, technology, arts, and community engagement. The program highlights the important role that imagination and exploration play in scientific discovery. Student projects and artwork will also be on display in celebration of the event. From this event, students will become inspired to make positive impacts within their community through their curiosity, dedication, and innovative projects, while emphasizing the importance of space exploration. 

Some questions that students will ask the astronaut include: What inspired you to pursue a career in space exploration? How do you stay connected with loved ones during your time on the ISS? What is the most interesting or surprising discovery you’ve made in space? How does your perspective on Earth change after seeing it from space? What advice would you give to young people interested in STEM careers?

Giordano’s determination to keep the program alive exemplifies her carpe diem spirit, and this monumental event that embodies her belief in the power of seizing the moment and turning dreams into reality. When her school shut down, she could have let the program end there. But for her, failure was not an option. With the same resolve and creativity that had defined her career, she turned to new partnerships and opportunities to ensure the program’s survival. Through this partnership, she brought together science, technology, engineering, math, and art, giving students a chance to connect their creativity with the wonders of space exploration. The program serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of these students and their passion for learning, even after the closure of their school. This is a story of inspiration, innovation, and the unyielding drive to “reach for the stars.”