“I’m so happy for our team. All 11 students in this club have put in countless hours of work testing out their rocket and their work paid off. They have truly made myself, our school, and our district proud,” said James Gallardo, team mentor who also teaches AP Physics at La Mirada High School. “These are truly exceptional kids who are sure to keep impressing everyone around the area. It is amazing that out of 100 teams, we are one of only two public high schools in California to compete this year.” 

Sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) and more than 30 industry partners, TARC annually brings together more than 5,000 students from across the country. Participants represent a diverse group of students from urban and rural America, with a breakthrough number of all girls’ teams and teams from underserved schools.

In order to travel to Virginia and fund other rocket expenses, the team had lots of fundraising. They hosted a McDonald’s McTeacher’s Night, and received plenty of community support.

“The community came through and it is greatly appreciated.  We were are all so excited to be able to represent California and more so La Mirada, and prove that we can do something big,” says Treasurer Emily De Boer.

The team was very excited to be able to represent the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District, as well as the Southern California Community in Virginia.

“TARC is one of the most exciting things I have participated in at school,” said club member Kurush Dubash, “It was a great experience and we had a lot of fun with the contest. We are now are working with underclassmen to continue on with the club and to prepare for future competitions.”