Raytheon welcomes TARC winners to Paris; AIA praises air crew

The winning Team America Rocketry Challenge team from Heath, Tex. arrived in Paris Wednesday as they geared up for an international fly-off against the British and French champions Friday.

Officials from Raytheon – the company that sponsored the trip as part of TARC’s first prize – honored the students at a reception Thursday evening.

Raytheon’s Director of Community Relations John Clemons said, “AIA member companies and organizations represented here today are working hard to encourage students to stick with math and science. Raytheon is honored to be fully committed to this goal, through experiential programs that make math and science exciting.”

The team is facing off with the winners of the United Kingdom Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge and the French Rocketry Challenge. The UK is represented by a team from Worksop College from Nottinghamshire and the French are represented by Team Ajsep from Bordeaux

Teams from the U.S., UK and France assemble before the interntaional fly-off

The dinner was also to express AIA’s appreciation of the U.S. military air crews that take part in the show. AIA Director, International Events Sherry Epperson thanked the crews for their service in keeping our country safe and secure.

“It is you who are on the front lines ensuring our nation’s freedom and security,” Epperson said. “On behalf of AIA’s member companies, I want to salute you and thank you once again for all you do for your country.