Kids Win National Reach for the Stars Rocket Contest

Sept. 23, 2009 - PRLog -- 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. More information is available at www.TheRocketman.net.

The national winners at all three levels will celebrate success by receiving their trophy from famed author Homer Hickam (Rocket Boys. October Sky). This will be the third year that Hickam has presented trophies to the national winners of the Reach for the Stars Rocket Contest.

Isaac will receive his trophy in Coalwood, West Virginia at the October Sky Festival on October 3rd. As part of the celebration Isaac will launch his rocket from “Cape Coalwood” with the original “Rocket Boys” giving the countdown.

Seth and Michelle will receive their trophies from Homer Hickam when he speaks at the Challenger Learning Center of Colorado on October 24th. They will also launch their rockets in celebration of their national win.

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.” All three winners will receive a boxed Space Shuttle Challenger commemorative coin, with insert signed by Christa McAuliffe’s mother, Grace Corrigan.

Michelle won the contest run at the Challenger Learning Center of Colorado under the direction of Tracey Tomme. Her mother, Kathy Jorgensen and Sisters Rachel and Elizabeth will be at the awards celebration. Rachel, Elizabeth and Michelle are triplets and always do everything together. Michelle is a member of Girl Scout Troop #337, Colorado Springs, Colorado and will be cheered on by the girls in her troop.

Isaac Sulsona of Lake Butler, Florida competed at Union County High School. Isaac’s teacher, Renae Allen hosted the contest there. Isaac’s father and grandfather plan to attend the October Sky Festival with him. Three generations celebrating his success.
Seth Gardner of Longmont, Colorado competed at the Colorado Springs Rocket Society (COSROCS) hosted by Dr. Warren Layfield.  Seth’s mother, Julia Bauer will be with him when he receives his trophy. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop #548.  His fellow scouts are planning to help him celebrate his national win.

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Jack and Kathy Colpas, co-directors of the Helping Kids Reach for the Stars model rocketry program are retired public school educators. The goal of the program is to give kids the unique educational experience of building and launching a solid-fuel powered rocket. The program is designated as an Educational Outreach of the Christa McAuliffe Challenger Center. The national Reach for the stars Rocket Contest is designed to celebrate the designation and honor Christa's mission and memory.