About

Technical & Engineering Skills:

• Rocket design principles including aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and structural engineering

• CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software for creating precise technical drawings and 3D models

• Physics and mathematics applied to real-world problems: calculating thrust-to-weight ratios, trajectory predictions, and altitude optimization

• Electronics integration: altimeters, flight computers, and recovery system deployment mechanisms

• Safety protocols and testing procedures used in professional aerospace engineering

Interdisciplinary Knowledge:

• Chemistry: understanding solid rocket propellants and combustion reactions

• Material science: selecting appropriate composites, balsa wood, fiberglass, and adhesives

• Data analysis: interpreting flight telemetry and post-flight performance metrics

• Technical documentation: creating detailed reports, build logs, and safety compliance documents

21st Century Skills:

• Project management and meeting critical deadlines

• Team collaboration and leadership roles

• Problem-solving under pressure when designs don't perform as expected

• Public speaking through presentations at competitions and school events

• Budget management and resource allocation

Honors and Recognition for Our School

• Competitive Achievements: The Rocketry Club competes in prestigious regional and national competitions, bringing recognition and accolades to Hamilton High School:

• Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC): The world's largest rocket contest. Opportunities to compete at national finals in Washington, D.C.

• National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Annual Meet (NARAM). Opportunities to compete in NARAM and win the national titles in rocketry. Hamilton High School students attended the 65th NARAM in Pueblo, Colorado August 3-9, 2024. Hamilton High School senior Aniket Singh was awarded the title of National Champion in Division B (the group for ages 16-21). Sophomore Patrick Wang was awarded the title of National Champion in Division A (the group for ages 15 and under). (https://www.hamilton.k12.wi.us/news-releases/2024/08/hamilton-students-earn-title-of-national-champion-in-annual-rocketry-meet/). In the 66th NARAM in Muncie, Indiana, June 23-28, 2025, Hamilton High School junior student Patrick Wang was awarded the title of Reserve National Champion in Division B (the group for ages 16-21). 

• US Youth Team of Spacemodeling for International Competition: Opportunities to be selected to the US Youth Team of Spacemodeling for International Competition. Hamilton High School students Lauren Houts, Patrick Wang, and Aniket Singh have been selected for the US Youth Team of Spacemodeling in 2022 and represented the US to compete in the 24th World Spacemodeling Championships, Georgetown, Texas, USA, July 1-8, 2023. Patrick Wang and Aniket Singh have been selected again to the US Youth Team of Spacemodeling in 2024, and represented the US to compete in the 25th World Championships for Space Models, Zrenjanin, Serbia, August 22-28, 2025.

Tangible Benefits for the School:

• Trophy case additions showcasing technical excellence

• Media coverage highlighting student achievement in STEM fields

• Enhanced reputation as a school fostering innovation and hands-on learning

• Improved college acceptance rates as admissions officers recognize competitive rocketry experience

• Scholarship opportunities for team members, with top TARC teams earning substantial awards

The Deeper Meaning: Transforming Students and School Culture

• For Students: The rocketry club provides experiences that textbooks alone cannot deliver. Students discover that "failure" is simply data—when a rocket doesn't reach target altitude, they analyze why, redesign, and try again. This resilience and growth mindset becomes invaluable in all aspects of life. Club members develop confidence as they master complex engineering challenges, forge lasting friendships through shared struggles and triumphs, and gain clarity about potential career paths in aerospace, engineering, or STEM fields.

• Many students arrive uncertain of their abilities in math and science but leave as confident problem-solvers who've literally watched their ideas take flight. The mentorship within the club creates a supportive technical community where upperclassmen guide newcomers, fostering leadership and teaching skills.

• For the School: A thriving rocketry program signals that Hamilton High School is committed to experiential learning and preparing students for the innovation economy. It demonstrates that we invest in programs where students don't just learn about science—they do science.

The club serves as a recruiting tool for prospective families seeking rigorous STEM opportunities and creates positive connections between our school and local aerospace companies, universities, and professional engineers who may serve as mentors or provide internship opportunities.

Perhaps most importantly, the rocketry club uniquely embodies school spirit. When students successfully launch a rocket they've spent months designing and building, the pride radiates throughout the entire school community. Parents, teachers, and administrators share in these victories, creating memories and accomplishments that define what Hamilton High School stands for: excellence, innovation, and empowering students to reach new heights—literally and figuratively.

Building Tomorrow's Workforce Today: With aerospace and defense industries facing a shortage of qualified engineers, our rocketry club directly addresses workforce development needs while giving students a competitive edge in college admissions and scholarship applications. The combination of technical skills, competition experience, and demonstrated passion makes our club members highly attractive candidates for top engineering programs nationwide.