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CONTEST EMAIL ARCHIVESDate: 11/10/2006 Subject: TARC APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENSION - 11/30/06 This is an OUTGOING-ONLY account. Please contact us at rocketcontest@aia-aerospace.org.
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The application deadline for this year's Team America Rocketry Challenge has been extended. Applications must be postmarked no later than November 30, 2006. If you have any questions, please contact us at rocketcontest@aia-aerospace.org.
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To group leaders still deciding whether to compete -
Recently I have received several emails from school groups asking questions that lead me to believe that they haven't actually signed up for TARC yet. The only possible reason that I can think of is that they do not want to invest the money required until they know they are competitive.
While I certainly understand that attitude I think that there is more, there is supposed to be more, to the Team America Rocket Challenge than winning the Big Bucks. The scholarship money is attractive, but the rewards for finding a love of rocketry and science are far more valuable.
There is the financial. A student who graduates with a degree that can be used in the Aerospace industry will get a starting paycheck bigger than a majority of Americans (and earthlings) get at any time in their life. A friend of mine was hired last year by an aerospace firm after getting a degree in EE and spending three years as an officer in the Air Force. He looks forward to with delight at the upcoming tenth High School Reunion...how does the song go? "Look at me now!"
Entering a team in TARC may give some young person that inspiration to excel.
Even for those who won't seek a technical degree the learning of teamwork and the discovery on a students own of the learning process is valuable. TARC provides this to students without the requirement for any special physical ability. I played 1A College football and many of my former team mates have done well. Frankly, some of them weren't the brightest of bulbs but the lessons of teamwork, personal sacrifice and hard personal effort helped them to achieve.
Entering a team in TARC may show some youngster the benefits of those life requirements...even if it is just the successful launch and recovery of an egg.
Finally, there is the personal. As I look forward this spring to launching my own "40th Anniversary" Alpha I find that many of the best moments in my life were spent flying rockets with good friends.
Overcoming a modeling challenge, helping a friend make that Level Three flight or watching the face of a Cub Scout as his first model rockets skywards are gifts this hobby gives. If this is all a student gets from entering TARC isn't it enough?
All of the above are worthy things to give to students and with the current rules in place it can be done, not including the trip to Virginia, for less than $250.00. As adults who care for kids, it is the least we can do if there are interested students. Just something to think about!
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