Derry students take to the skies in an experience they are 'never going to forget'

Derry students took to the skies in an experience they are ‘never going to forget’ as a reward for being crowned the victors in The Amelia Earhart STEM Challenge hosted by Ulster University last year.

Five students from Thornhill College enjoyed every second of a helicopter ride through the Derry air as a reward.

The competition, held annually to celebrate the pioneering spirit of Amelia Earhart and her contributions to aviation and STEM fields, saw Year 9 students from across Northern Ireland compete in a series of challenges.

The Royal Academy of Engineering Amelia Earhart STEM Challenge, now in its third year, aims to foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among young minds, while honouring the remarkable legacy of the famous aviator. The competition features a range of tasks that test participants' problem-solving skills, creativity, knowledge and teamwork.

This year, Thornhill College, known for its exceptional STEM students, rose to the occasion, demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication, winning the award for the second time.

The Thornhill Team, comprised of Aoife Monaghan, Aoibheann Herron, Estela Munoz Baena, Jessica Graham, and Lauren O’Donnell navigated through a series of challenges with precision and ingenuity, ultimately securing the top spot among formidable competitors.

Aoife said: “Aoibheann and I designed a museum about Amelia Earhart for children because it can be quite difficult to explain her history, to those a lot younger than us. So we designed a museum which qualified us for the competition. 

“We didn’t expect to win the competition, to be honest, but we were pleased we did.”

Their teacher Miss Jane Casey said: “I am so proud of them seeing the work that they put in for the competition, and their enthusiasm. To earn a reward like this is incredible, and I am pleased they are getting a once in a lifetime experience.

“Competitions like this are great to promote the subjects, to show them what is out there and what they can achieve.

The team's success at The Amelia Earhart STEM Challenge was rewarded with an amazing top prize jointly sponsored by City of Derry Airport and Cutting Edge Helicopters of a VIP tour and helicopter ride over Amelia’s flight path over Derry.

Jessica said: “I thought it was brilliant. I was a bit nervous at the start but then once we were in the air we got to see the whole town, and it was a fantastic experience, with that birds eye view.”

While Lauren said: “It was an experience I am never going to forget.”

Amelia Earhart and her achievements have inspired this group of girls to pursue a career in STEM.

Estela wishes to pursue a career in the medical industry and believes science is essential for her to succeed in this chosen profession.

Meanwhile Lauren said: “I definitely want to be either a doctor, lawyer or engineer. Two of those really include STEM, so this has been really beneficial.”