AFA’s Louisville Teacher of the Year Holds Rocket Launching Competition

Alan Williams, the winner of AFA Chapter 407’s Teacher of the Year award in 2022, organized the second annual rocket launch competition for high schoolers in Louisville, Ky., on April 18, 2024. The event was held at Atherton High School in Louisville, where Williams is the head physics teacher. Ten teams representing three Louisville high schools showed off their 3D-printed rockets and sky-soaring capabilities. Around 300 students and observers attended the competition.

Weather conditions were sunny and slightly windy for the launch. Of the 23 rockets, only two went “off-course” and landed in trees. Once the rockets were recovered, the judging cadre scored the rockets on three vectors: exterior assembly, painting “theme,” and the highest altitude, which was recorded via an installed altimeter. The judges included representatives from the Kentucky Department of Aviation, University of Louisville, ROTC Instructors, and AFA Chapter #407 President Jeff Decker. 

One of Atherton High School’s rockets, “McQueen,” achieved the highest altitude in the competition—1,050 feet! One of Williams’ own rocket team entries, “Magic Mike,” won the overall contest. 

Well done Alan Williams, and well done Atherton High School!