Artemis Moon Tree dedicated in honor of Mary W. Jackson

On March 18, 2026, excitement and pride filled the air as students, staff, and community members gathered at Mary W. Jackson Fundamental Elementary School to celebrate the dedication of a truly extraordinary addition to their campus—an Artemis Moon Tree. Though officially dedicated on this day, the loblolly pine had already taken root months earlier, having been carefully planted on November 21 of this school year.

 

This is no ordinary tree. Grown from a seed that orbited the moon during the Artemis I mission between November 16 to December 11, 2022, the tree carries with it a story of exploration and possibility. After its return to Earth, the seed was grown into a sapling by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service before being shipped to its permanent home in Hampton, where its next chapter began in the hands of young learners. 

The dedication ceremony brought together school and district leaders, with principal Ernriekus Williams and School Board chairman Dr. Richard Mason warmly welcoming guests. The Mary Jackson chorus, under the direction of Kyle Sheridan, added a heartfelt touch to the ceremony with a beautiful rendition of the school song, The Jackson Rockets Can. Students Annabelle Raillon and MaKayla Johnson recounted Hampton’s history with moon trees. As Annabelle and MaKayla shared, it is especially fitting that the city of Hampton is home to multiple moon trees. Hampton is where NASA’s story first took root with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which later became NASA. The city also served as home base for the astronauts of Project Mercury and for pioneering mathematicians and engineers such as Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Christine Darden—trailblazers who, like Mary W. Jackson, helped shape our nation’s journey into space and expanded the boundaries of human knowledge. 

 

Students Caiden Ellis and Levi Davis shared reflections on what it means to serve as stewards of a living symbol. Caiden said that being part of planting the Artemis Moon Tree at the school was a really special experience for him. “My job was pouring the soil around the tree, and at first it seemed like a small task, but I realized it was actually one of the most important parts. The soil is what helps the tree stand strong and grow over time. It made me think about how, in life, the little things we do—like helping others, staying consistent, and doing our part—can make a big difference. Just like this tree came from a seed that traveled around the moon, we all have the potential to go far and do amazing things, but we need a strong foundation to grow…I’m proud that I helped give this tree its start, and I’ll always remember that even small actions can lead to something big.” 

 

“When I helped plant the Artemis Moon Tree, I felt like I was part of something bigger than myself. My responsibility was putting soil around the tree, and while I was doing it, I thought about how that soil would protect the roots and help the tree grow strong for years to come. It reminded me that growth doesn’t happen overnight—it takes time, care, and the right support. Just like this tree started as a seed that traveled all the way around the moon, we all start somewhere small, but with effort and support, we can grow into something great. This experience taught me that every role matters, and when we each do our part, we can create something meaningful that lasts,” Levi reflected.

 

A highlight of the event was a short video produced by PEG TV featuring the teamwork and enthusiasm behind the tree’s planting. The video followed the dedicated groups of third through fifth grade students—divided into mission teams of Earth Excavators, Compost Crew, Mulch Movers, and Water Brigade—who worked together to plant the tree. The dedication ceremony concluded at the tree site with an official ribbon cutting, marking the beginning of the tree’s life as a centerpiece of the school community.

 

The students of Mary Jackson Fundamental Elementary School are now the stewards of this remarkable tree. They represent the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and explorers who will undoubtedly make meaningful contributions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Third grade teacher and Artemis Moon Tree Planning Committee member Melani Thomas said, “Receiving an Artemis Moon Tree at our school sparks student curiosity and excitement by creating a tangible connection to space exploration and scientific discovery. This unique opportunity deepens engagement across subjects, inspiring students in grades PK-5 to ask questions, explore STEM concepts, and take pride in being part of a living piece of a historic mission.”

 

Fifth grade teacher and committee member Mitzi Newlin explained, “We are committed to looking after our Moon Tree by monitoring its health, needs, growth and making sure it thrives for years to come. There are many ways we can use it in our learning – measuring and graphing its growth in math, observing changes through the seasons and its place in our ecosystem in science, and writing reflections and research pieces inspired by it. All of these experiences give students meaningful, hands-on activities that are connected to real life. This experience has reminded me how powerful it is when learning is real and rooted in something students care about.”

 

The Artemis Moon Tree stands as more than a tree. It is a living symbol of exploration, curiosity, and scientific discovery. Entrusted to the care of the Mary Jackson Fundamental Elementary community, it will continue to grow, reaching toward the stars while remaining firmly rooted in the values of learning and collaboration. As it does, it will serve as a beacon of hope, a source of pride, a symbol of unity, and a spark that ignites curiosity in all who encounter it. As the Mary Jackson chorus pledged in their refrain, “We’ll shoot for the stars, and learn all we can! If anyone can do it, the Jackson Rockets can!”

 

The students and staff at Mary W. Jackson would like to acknowledge the contributions of NASA’s Langley Research Center, the National Institute of Aerospace Center for Integrative STEM Education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Services, Elizabeth Lake Estates Stewardship Committee, Virginia Cooperative Extension Hampton Master Gardeners and Tree Stewards, Hampton Clean City Commission, and the city of Hampton. The dedication would not have been possible without the herculean efforts of Hampton City Schools’ community and government relations, operations and maintenance team, public relations and marketing team (including the graphics department, print shop, and PEG TV), and the Artemis Moon Tree planning committee.