Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

FORT PROVIDENCE (May 22/98) - Houston, we don't have a problem.

That's how teachers and students at Fort Providence's Deh G'ah elementary and secondary school are feeling these days.

And, they have good reason to be smiling. Afterall, how many other schools can not only convince an astronaut to take their school's pin into orbit, and also get him to come for a personal visit?

Canadian astronaut Dr. Dave Williams, who is now back on earth after spending more than two weeks in orbit aboard the space shuttle Columbia, sent along a pre-launch video to his friends in the NWT. During the 30-second clip, Williams says he is looking forward to his visit to Fort Providence.

"I'd like to send special greetings to Deh G'ah elementary and secondary school from Fort Providence, NWT," Williams says. "I'm looking forward to coming to see you after the mission."

Teacher Barb Killbery says she was absolutely thrilled when she saw the video. It arrived shortly after the group got back to the North.

"When I played it I couldn't believe it when he actually said he was coming," she says.

"The kids are thrilled and everyone is quite excited."

No date for the visit has been set.

Trisha Bonnetrouge, one of the students who went to Florida for the launch, also said she can't wait to meet Williams.

"I'll ask him how it was in space," she says. "I'll ask him where he went to the bathroom."

Now back from Florida, students and staff at the school are still on a high after their dream trip. They raised about $40,000 on their own and spent 10 days visiting attractions on their educational tour of the "sunshine" state.

Teachers and students asked that their whole community -- parents, those who came out to their fundraising events and school principal, Jane Arychuk -- be thanked for all their assistance.

While only a small group could go, many people worked hard to make sure the trip was a success, Killbery and Leuze said.