In the serene Highlands hills last Friday, the Army Rocket Yell could be heard. It was a fitting cheer “U.S.M.A. Rah! Rah!” children from the CONNECT after school program yelled, “Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah! AR-MAY! Rah!” as rockets were taking flight. Led by their friends from the West Point U.S.M.A. NASA Team, the students were all behind the spirt of the day. They were fighting for the position of best Rocket Team, as they launched their gold, blue, and red rockets. Each launch was proceeded by the obligatory count down and followed with the loud screams that the successful launch earned. Then all eyes went to the sky to be the first to sight the descending parachute and rocket. “This is so cool,” noted 4th grader Marcus though also a bit terrified that his rocket could possibly blow up! It didn’t and successfully broke through the clouds above to the children’s joy. The students, grades 3-8, were inspired by what they saw and learned something new. The USMA Cadets taught them about trajectory, drag, and the necessary combustion to get the rocket off the ground. CONNECT cannot wait for their Army friends to come back and teach them something new. They are grateful for Rocket Day at West Point!
