Kyra reaches for the stars

Kyra Loft-Morrow is setting off to Space Camp. (Supplied)

Georgia Tacey

A Salesian College Sunbury student has received an out-of-this-world opportunity.

Year 10 student Kyra Loft-Morrow is one of four students selected nationally for a partial scholarship from the One Giant Leap Foundation to attend Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

Kara, who is set to head off to Space Camp later this year, said she couldn’t be more excited, tearing up when she heard the news.

“I remember I just called my nan straight away and I called my mum and I just told them all about it, I was just ecstatic,“ she said.

“I feel so privileged to be able to experience something as incredible as that, like its not every day that an Australian student gets to go to Alabama to experience space camp, its crazy.”

Kyra said she found her calling within engineering and aerospace through Salesian, and credits STEAM leader Nadia Baker as instrumental in securing the opportunity.

“She ran a rocketry class which I participated in. It kind of inspired me to go for space camp and focus on that career path,” she said.

Kyra was quick to tell her teacher when she was awarded the scholarship, after receiving support from her through the process.

“Kyra’s curiosity and drive stood out from the beginning, and it’s been a joy to support her on this journey,” Ms Baker said.

“Space camp is an incredible opportunity, and I have no doubt Kyra will make the most of every moment. She’s a wonderful example of where a love of STEAM learning can take you.”

Alongside space camp, Kyra has also had a number of opportunities to grow her knowledge to help her become an aerospace engineer, including most recently attending the RMIT Young Women in Aerospace and Defence program over the Term One break.

As part of her trip, Kyra along with the other likeminded students will travel to the US at the end of October, stopping by the California Science Centre, Griffith Observatory and more, before heading to Space Camp for five days.

“I am so excited to grow my knowledge in this area and this industry and help me in my career path of becoming an aerospace engineer,” Kyra said.

The scholarship will cover some of her expenses, but to cover the rest, Kyra is holding a raffle to help raise funds.

More information on the raffle can be found at oktion.com.au/event-details/899