Date posted: 06/19/2009*

Raytheon hosted the 2009 winning teams of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) and U.K. Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKAYRoC) at the 100th International Paris Air Show.

This is the fourth year Raytheon has sponsored the TARC winning team’s trip to an international air show and the first year the company has played host to the UKAYRoC winners.

The two winnings teams, Royal Liberty School from Romford, England and Madison West High School from Madison, WI, had a transatlantic fly-off in Va. on May 18, where the U.K. team was victorious. This event highlighted American and British youth coming together to demonstrate their talent. Raytheon applauds both teams for their efforts and dedication to math and science.

On Thursday evening, the AIA hosted a reception to congratulate the teams that participated in the challenge.

The reception, held at Dorint Hotel de Rossy, was an opportunity for the U.S. TARC team and the UKAYRoC team to celebrate their triumphs over several other rocketry teams in their respective countries.

Speakers at the event included Sherry Eperson, AIA director of International and Special Events; Lt. Colonel Michael Kilbourne, U.S. Air Force in Europe; and Pam Wickham, Raytheon’s vice president of Corporate Affairs and Communications, who lauded the teams for their achievements.

"This trip to the Paris International Air Show recognizes the achievements of the TARC and UKAYRoC winners and rewards their interest in math and science," said Wickham. "We hope this visit will encourage further study and interest by immersing them in the exciting career opportunities to be found in the aerospace and defense industry."

On Friday, the students were invited to have breakfast in the Raytheon chalet as well as visit the company simulators. This was followed by a tour of the U.S. corral and a view of flying displays.

The sponsorship of these students at the show is part of Raytheon’s ongoing commitment to math and science education.