Westwood Student Named Finalist In NASA Mars Rover Naming Contest

WESTWOOD, MA — One Westwood girl is on her way to making her mark, from here to space. Amira Shanshiry, a Westwood fourth grader, was selected as a finalist for NASA's essay contest to name the next Mars rover.

Shanshiry is a student at Hanlon Elementary School in Westwood. She is one of nine kids nationwide to be selected as a finalist and one one of three in the Kindergarten through fourth grade age bracket. Shanshiry chose the name "Promise" for the rover.

Shanshiry's essay opens with a quote from James E Webb, the second administrator of NASA, and goes on to read in part, "The Mars rover promises to bring to light major discoveries about life on Mars," she writes, "This rover promises to bring knowledge about Mars to the next level, taking the world alongside it."

NASA has left the decision up to the public — anyone can vote for their favorite name and essay online, polls will be open through January 27. The contest winner will be announced in March and have their essay published inNASA's Mars website. They will also be invited to watch the rover launch in July from Cape Canaveral in Florida.