Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition Winners to Celebrate at Space Camp
As part of the celebration they get to launch their rockets from Homer Hickam Field** under an Sky. The winners will be presented a Space Shuttle Challenger commemorative medal with certificate signed by Astronaut Jon McBride.
By: SciCon Services
In response to the nation's call for more interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) activities – over 1500 kids across the nation participated in the eleventh annual Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition. At the end of the competition those who had the "Right Stuff"* were victorious. The annual Competition, for ages ten to eighteen, runs continuously.
Their rockets soar 200 feet into the air to return by parachute. The closest average landing to an on-field target wins the local event. The local winner's results were forwarded to RFTS Competition headquarters to be compared to all entries received. The closest were declared the national winners.
Jessica Flowers, Lilianna Henry, Kyle Hughes, Sophia Jasso, Victoria Miterko and Jordyn Presley took the top honors this year. Joining the group will be Minnesota Civil Air Patrol cadet, Nathan Jones - one of last year's winners.
The national winners will be invited to celebrate their success at Space Camp / US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. As part of the celebration they get to launch their rockets from Homer Hickam Field**underan October Sky (
With their families, the winners will continue their celebration;
Competition co-director, Kathy Colpas says, "We promise the national winners - memories to last a lifetime and bragging rights for generations to come. Launching their rockets from a memorable location and being honored under the historical Saturn V rocket allows us to fulfill our promise."
Jessica Flowers won her local competition at Prairie Trace Elementary in Carmel, Indiana under the direction of teacher Sandi Johnson.
Lilianna Henry and Victoria Miterko won their local events while competing at Citrus Springs Elementary in Citrus Springs Florida. Tina Hackey was the Competition host.
Kyle Hughes launched at Hockomock YMCA in N. Attleboro, Massachusetts with Associate Director of Children's Services, Kim Jennings.
Sophia Jasso competed in Santa Ana, California at Mendez Fundamental Intermediate Schoolunder the direction of teacher, Andrea Earl.
Jordyn Presley took top honors while launching with Bagdad Elementary in Milton, Florida. This event was run by teacher Tammy Dillard. The Competition at this school was funded by a NASA grant through the Florida Space Grant Consortium.
Nathan Jones, a Civil Air Patrol cadet from the 130th Composite Squadron, Lakeville, Minnesota was one of last year's national winners. He will attend this year's celebration.
Several companies have joined together to provide unforgettable memories for the national winners of the annual Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition.