Bledsoe County High School had outstanding success by its drone team at the National Rocket Drone Competition held on April 30 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, proudly reports Mark Oxner, drone instructor.
Competing against top students from across the nation, Oxner said, Bledsoe County students delivered an exceptional performance in five competitive events. Despite a rule limiting each participant to only two events, the team achieved remarkable results, he noted.
BCHS students secured first place in three of the five competitions. Jacob Thurman led the way with two first-place finishes, while Jesse Smart earned the team’s third first-place victory. Landyn Barnwell and Lucas Holland each earned second-place finishes, and Daniel McCauley delivered a strong performance with a fourth-place finish, narrowly missing the podium.
The team’s success is even more impressive given the participation limits, said Oxner, suggesting the potential for even greater achievements under different competition conditions.
In addition to competing, students had the opportunity to explore the world-class exhibits and museums at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, gaining valuable exposure to aerospace innovation, engineering, and STEM career pathways.
BCHS continues to expand opportunities in drone technology and STEM education, preparing students for high-demand careers in aviation, engineering, and emerging technologies, said Oxner.
