The Graham High School Rocket Team, founded in 2014, gives students the opportunity to explore the world of aerospace through hands-on experience in model rocketry. The team has steadily grown over the years, even earning a spot at nationals in 2020. Open to students who meet academic requirements and show a passion for STEM, the club challenges members to apply physics, math, and engineering skills in real-world problem-solving.
The Rocket Team program is separated into two individual teams, one led by Caden Joy and the other by Derek Divinia. The Rocket teams are overseen by Graham High School engineering teacher, Ms. Lowrey, with Mr. and Mrs. Sprague acting as mentors to the teams. Together, these leaders and mentors provide guidance and support to help the teams succeed.
We interviewed Caden Joy, team captain of one of the teams, about his experience with the program so far.
When asked how Caden Joy became involved with the rocket club, he replied, “Ms. Lowrey told me about this club last year, and I decided to join.”
According to Caden, skills members learn from the rocket team include how to construct and launch model rockets to compete in The American Rocketry Challenge. They also learn how modifying different aspects of the rocket modifies its altitude, flight duration, and speed, trying to achieve a height of 750 ft and a flight duration (period from when the rocket leaves the launch pad to when it hits the ground).
Reflecting on his time in the rocket club, Caden was quick to recall a memorable launch. He replied, “One of the most interesting launches was when the other team launched their rocket, but the parachute failed to deploy, leading to the rocket nose-diving and crashing into the ground, causing an indentation.”
The next person we interviewed, who oversees the club, is Ms. Lowrey. She shared her insight into the team’s passion, history, and opportunities for new members.
Considering who the biggest rocket enthusiast might be, Ms. Lowrey shared, “It is a toss-up on who is the biggest rocket enthusiast. When Caden had his back surgery, his light reading was a 1,000-page book on model rocketry. He also completed his computer modeling for the 2025–26 task upon his return to this school year. Derek Divinia and Jimmy Ramirez are also avid participants. They are focused, energetic, and willing to travel the extra miles to complete the needed flights.”
On the question of how long the club has been running, she responded, “The GHS Rocket Team started in 2014 and has continued through today, with a three-year hiatus when I was teaching in Albany. The team made it to nationals in 2020.”
We asked about the criteria for joining, and she explained, “The rocket team is open to students who meet academic requirements, show a great interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), and are willing to work.”
The Rocket Team has grown into more than just a simple club; it’s a place where people can explore STEM, work towards big goals, and learn through setbacks and successes. With dedicated mentors, passionate members, and Ms. Lowrey’s leadership, the team is aiming high for the future, with hopes of returning to nationals and continuing to inspire the next generation of rocket enthusiasts.
