Murfreesboro, TN - This summer, Colton Sheets from Rockvale High School will join outstanding high school students from across the nation to take part in a unique academic and career oriented development experience, Aerospace and Aviation Academy - Rice University, in Houston, Texas.

Rice University Aerospace and Aviation Academy is one of the Envision by WorldStrides family of programs (www.EnvisionExperience.com) that enable students to explore their interests and experience learning beyond the classroom. Including launching a satellite at the Space Center in Houston.

Colton Sheets is a 3-time cancer survivor and bone marrow transplant recipient. Colton was diagnosed with Leukemia between the ages of 3 and 4. He relapsed two additional times before having to travel to Seattle Children’s Hospital where he had a “State of the Art” new kind of bone marrow transplant at the time. Up until 6th grade, Colton had to be homeschooled through a “Virtual Academy” due to the toll that chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries took on him.

He is now 7-years post-transplant and is a Junior at Rockvale High School. Currently, Colton is maintaining over a 4.0 GPA at RHS that includes AP and Advanced Honors classes. The young man has also been a member of the Tennessee Robotics Club, Student Council, National English Honors Society and the National Society of High School Scholars.

In addition to the extra-curricular activities, Colton has served as Middle Tennessee State University Honorary Football Captain for the past 7-years. Colton’s nomination was based upon his strong academic record and interest in the fields of aerospace and aviation.

Today, the Rockvale student plans to enter into the field of Aerospace Engineering and Computer Sciences. He is beyond ecstatic to attend this program as it encompasses all that he is interested in and provides an unparalleled experience through Rice University’s partnership and collaborations with NASA and Space Center Houston. This is a 12-day program that will include Initial Multi-Phase Rocket Design, Airfield / Flight Training, Satellite Systems and Operations, Aerodynamics and Rocketry, Launching of Satellites, Rocket Challenge, plus much more.

For over 35-years, Envision by WorldStrides has empowered extraordinary students to become their best selves through programs that enable them to discover their passion, explore a career and positively impact their world. In 2018, Envision became part of the WorldStrides family. The largest provider of educational travel and experiences in the United States, WorldStrides works with over 50,000 educators each year to help more than 550-thousand students see the world – and themselves – in new ways.

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