Michelle Jorgensen - 10, Seth Gardner - 11 and Isaac Sulsona -15 have won the national Reach for the Stars Rocket Contest. The contest promotes the Helping Kids Reach for the Stars Program – an educational outreach of the Christa McAuliffe / Challenger Learning Center.
Local contests were held by schools, scout troops, youth centers, museums, rocket clubs and Challenger Learning Centers across the country in this year long event. During the local phase of the competition, contestants were required to build and launch a solid-fuel powered rocket. The winner of the local event had to have the closest average landing to a target after two launches. The local winner’s information was forwarded to contest headquarters to be compared to all entries received.
The national winners at all three levels will celebrate success by receiving their trophy from famed author Homer Hickam (Rocket Boys. October Sky) in Coalwood, West Virginia at the October Sky Festival. As part of the celebration they get to launch their rockets from “Cape Coalwood” with the original “Rocket Boys” giving the countdown. They will also receive a framed Space Shuttle Challenger commemorative coin, signed by Christa McAuliffe’s mother, Grace Corrigan.
Success never comes easy and seldom without cost. In this case, the cost is that of transportation and meals for the winners and their families to and from the October Sky Festival in Coalwood, West Virginia. Fund raising has been started for each of the kids. Help is needed immediately – the winner’s celebration takes place on October 3rd, 2009.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a young rocketeer. Reach for the Stars Rocket Contest directors Jack and Kathy Colpas boast that, “national winners receive memories to last a lifetime and bragging rights for generations to come.” Jack says, “This is supposed to be a joyous occasion. The last thing we want to do is present a family with a financial burden. Donations are needed so we can get these kids and their families to the winners’ celebration.”
Michelle won the contest run at the Challenger Learning Center of Colorado. Her mother, Kathy Jorgensen states, “Michelle really wants her sisters to attend and support her because she has never been without them. Rachel, Elizabeth and Michelle are triplets. I would love to be able to have my whole family at the celebration.”
Isaac Sulsona of Lake Butler, Florida competed at Union County High School. Isaac’s teacher, Renae Allen states, “We have a great school and supportive community so I’m sure we’ll work something out. But, I’ll bring him (to the celebration)
Seth Gardner of Longmont, Colorado competed at the Colorado Springs Rocket Society (COSROCS). He is a member of Boy Scout Troop #548. His fellow scouts are working hard to make sure that Seth, his Mother and Grandmother will be able to make the trip together. You can help by contacting Tim King, Assistant Scout Master at (303) 772-9135.
Corporate sponsors are needed to insure that next year’s Reach for the Stars Rocket Contest winners won’t face the same struggle. Sponsors receive national recognition and the satisfaction of Helping Kids Reach for the Stars. More information is available at www.TheRocketman.net.
