The Shady Side Academy Middle and Senior School Rocketry Teams held another Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) qualifying launch at Weber Farm in Grove City, Pa., on Sunday, Oct. 14.

The TARC contest challenges teams to design, build and fly a rocket that can safely carry three raw eggs to an altitude of 856 feet and return it to the ground in 44 seconds. The Middle School team's best launch this time reached 837 feet and landed in 44 seconds. The Senior School team did not have a successful launch this time and is rebuilding its rocket to launch again on Sunday, Nov. 11. Both teams are advised by Middle School science teacher Matt Brunner.

The teams must wait until spring to see if any of their qualifying launches place among the top 100 scores in the country to qualify for the 2019 TARC National Finals, which will be held in Northern Virginia in May.

The Team America Rocketry Challenge is the world's largest rocket contest and the aerospace industry's flagship program designed to encourage students to study science, technology, engineering and math. Sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association, the National Association of Rocketry and more than 20 aerospace industry partners, TARC provides middle and high school students the opportunity to design, build and launch model rockets in a competition among approximately 5,000 students nationwide each year.

Congratulations to Middle School Rocketry Team members Cassidy Mineo, Jillian Zana, Leo Rickard, Joe Krokosky and Otis Liu!