GSSM Dedicates Artemis I Moon Tree as Living Symbol of Space Exploration and STEM Education

Photo (from L to R): Mayor Casey Hancock of Hartsville joins GSSM President Danny Dorsel at the Moon Tree dedication ceremony, celebrating the school’s selection by NASA to host a second-generation Moon Tree—linking Hartsville to a legacy of space exploration and scientific discovery.

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (April 17, 2025) – The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) hosted a dedication ceremony on Wednesday, April 16, to celebrate the planting of a rare second-generation Moon Tree grown from a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seedling that traveled around the Moon aboard NASA’s Artemis I mission.

The seedling was among a select group of tree species launched aboard the uncrewed Orion spacecraft in 2022 as part of NASA’s Artemis I mission. After spending more than 25 days in space, the seeds returned to Earth and were germinated and distributed to institutions nationwide committed to STEM education, conservation, and public engagement. GSSM was one of only a few schools selected to serve as stewards of this living piece of space history.

“GSSM is home to so many incredible opportunities—and now, we’re proud to add a Moon Tree to that list,” said Danny Dorsel, president of GSSM. “Thanks to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students, it’s an honor to be chosen by NASA to help inspire curiosity and exploration, especially in the realm of space. As we nurture the growth of our Moon Tree, we’re also cultivating a passion for learning and discovery within every member of the GSSM community.”

The dedication ceremony featured reflections from GSSM senior Sage Touchberry, who previously participated in NASA’s Plant the Moon Challenge and earned an in-state award for her research.

“This tree is more than a loblolly pine grown from a seed that orbited the Moon; it’s a challenge,” Touchberry said. “A challenge to keep asking questions, keep pushing forward, and keep believing that the impossible is always within reach.”

Keynote remarks were delivered by Dr. Jennifer Brown, chair of the biology department, on behalf of Dr. Joseph Pelfrey, director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and a 1995 GSSM graduate.

“I hope this tree sparks curiosity about space and fosters a connection to NASA’s missions for students and faculty at GSSM for many years to come,” Pelfrey said in his message. “Congratulations on the honor of receiving the tree, and I look forward to visiting in the future to see it continue to grow.”

The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque beside the tree, now located at the entrance to campus where it will greet students, faculty, and visitors for generations to come.