Immigrant Children Compete in World's Largest Rocket-Building Competition, Fulfilling American Dream

Immigrant Children Reach for the Stars

On a cloudy day an hour outside the nation's capital in The Plains, Virginia, a group of extraordinary middle school students competed in the American Rocketry Challenge, the world's largest student rocket-building competition. Sponsored by the Defense Department, NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration, and top U.S. defense contractors, the challenge saw 922 teams from all over the country apply, with only the top 100 teams chosen to travel to Virginia to compete.

Overcoming the Odds

One of the notable teams was from Francis Hammond Middle School in Alexandria, Virginia. The diverse group of students, originally from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Turkey, and Ukraine, have overcome significant obstacles to pursue their passion for rocketry. For instance, Artem, 12, fled Ukraine with his mother after Russia invaded in February 2024. Despite the turmoil in his home country, Artem has found solace and purpose in designing rockets and exploring his creativity within the school's art department.

"I'm really happy that we made it all the way here. I'm proud of us and my team. We accomplished a lot," Farhan, 13, commented after the competition. Farhan and his family fled Afghanistan during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal when the Taliban took control. His father, who had worked with the U.S. government, played a crucial role in getting the family to safety in the United States.

Embracing Freedom and Opportunity

Yosra, another member of the team, expressed her gratitude for the freedom she now experiences in the United States, contrasting it with the restrictions she would have faced under the Taliban in Afghanistan. She shared how building rockets gives her a sense of pride and empowerment, allowing her to envision a future where she can pursue her dreams, including becoming a lawyer and working for the U.S. government.

Similarly, Babur, who left Afghanistan at the age of 10, expressed his thankfulness for the opportunities available to him in the U.S., particularly the chance to participate in the rocketry club and pursue his interest in science and space. His father's role as an interpreter for the U.S. military facilitated their journey to the United States, opening up a world of possibilities for Babur.

Inspiring Support and Achievement

Notably, NASA astronaut Woody Hoburg, who represented his high school at the same competition in 2003 and has since spent 186 days in space, lent his support to the students. Expressing his passion for hands-on learning and experimentation, Hoburg emphasized the value of allowing students to build, experiment, and learn from both successes and failures.

Despite facing challenges and uncertainties, the students' rocket successfully launched and landed, with their egg intact, securing a respectable 50th place in the competition. Reflecting on their achievement, Farhan expressed his determination to continue making his family proud and giving back to the country that welcomed them.

Continuing the Journey

The students' inspiring pursuit of their passion for rocketry, fueled by their resilience and aspirations, serves as a powerful testament to the opportunities and dreams that the United States represents for many immigrant families. As they continue to learn, grow, and contribute to their new community, their journey stands as a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of exploration.