The National Aviation Hall Of Fame's 2020 Spirit Of Flight Award To Be Presented To The American Rocketry Challenge

Nearly 5,000 students nationwide, in grade 6-12, compete annually in the American Rocketry Challenge, gaining an opportunity to design, build, and launch model rockets. (This photo was taken prior to the Pandemic) (Courtesy the American Rocketry Challenge)

The Board of Trustees of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) announced on Jan. 19 that its coveted 2020 Spirit of Flight Award will be presented to the American Rocketry Challenge. While the date and time of the presentation is yet to be determined, the NAHF is eager to share this wonderful news about one of the most impactful science, technology, engineering, and math (STEAM) programs in the world.

The American Rocketry Challenge is the world's largest rocket contest, with nearly 5,000 students nationwide competing annually. The contest provides students in 6th 12th grades the opportunity to design, build, and launch model rockets and gain hands-on experience solving engineering problems. Sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the National Association of Rocketry, and more than 20 aerospace industry partners, including NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense, the challenge is the aerospace industry's flagship program designed to encourage students to study STEM.

The Spirit of Flight Award qualifications include organizations that serve a special need of the nation and set high standards for excellence in the utilization of aerospace assets. One of the most applicable of the criteria met by the American Rocketry Challenge is the "creativity" that voters of the Spirit of Flight Award are charged to identify.

NAHF President and CEO, Amy Spowart said, "The American Rocketry Challenge definitely sets a high standard for STEM education in this nation and that made it an easy choice for the Spirit of Flight voters." She added, "The past awardees and the challenging criteria for this award put it among the most sought after in aerospace. The American Rocketry Challenge's worthiness comes by way of its multifaceted benefits to aviation; from offering hands-on STEAM principles to students in 6th to 12th grade and encouraging them to consider and pursue careers in aerospace. It's a winwin for our industry."

"The Spirit of Flight award from the National Aviation Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor," said AIA President & CEO Eric Fanning. "Hosting the American Rocketry Challenge is a privilege for AIA, and this award recognizes our continued commitment to growing the next generation of aerospace and defense leaders. Year after year, we are inspired by the ingenuity and brilliance of our young rocketeers, and we cannot wait to see how they shape our future."

Past winners of the Spirit of Flight range from historical groups like the WWII era "Flying Tigers," to aerospace icons like the Apollo Missions, to industry leaders such as the Boeing Company. A complete list can be seen at https://www.nationalavia tion.org/milton-caniff-spirit-of-flight-award. More information about the National Aviation Hall of Fame can be found at www.nationalaviation.org and to learn more about the American Rocketry Challenge, visit https://rocketcontest.org/.