From leading Eagles in Singapore to leading Nigerian tribal kings in south Florida, former Vice Principal John Dankowski keeps the good stories coming from the John F. Kennedy Space Center. 

 

You may remember that we reported on Dankowski's new NASA job back in 2005, when he began in his role as a Communicator at the Space Center, leading tours of NASA operations and presenting on-stage programs for visitors.

On August 10, 2007, Dankowski was picked to be the personal all-day escort for King Peter Anugwu and King Romanus Ilo of Nigeria (pictured) during their visit to the Kennedy Space Center. Although Nigeria is a republic, not a monarchy, Dankowski was asked to follow protocol in greeting the tribal chiefs, using the title 'king,' 'your excellency' and 'your royal highness.'

 

Dankowski reports that the two dignitaries arrived in a Cadillac stretch limousine with quite an entourage: their driver, their official photographer, an aide, an interpreter, their own security guard, and about five people from the Miami-based private organization that had arranged the visit. Although they arrived with an interpreter, the visit was conducted in English. The visit lasted much longer than any of the organizers had expected, and as the day wore on, Dankowski says, 'I followed protocol, although as the day went on, we became quite friendly and less formal.' 

 

Never a dull moment at the Space Center, Dankowski is looking forward to the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery in mid-October.