OUT OF THIS WORLD

OUT OF THIS WORLD OUT OF THIS WORLD

REGIS JESUIT’S NEW ROCKET SCIENCE COURSES BRING LEARNING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

story and photo by Maddie Schneiter ‘24

Interested in becoming an engineer or curious about what it would be like? The Introduction to the Rocket Science and the Advanced Rocket Science classes could be perfect for you. Regis Jesuit now offers these two rocket science courses where students can apply the math and sciences they have already learned to reallife engineering scenarios.

The introductory course gives students insight into a career in aerospace engineering. The advanced class is a much faster-paced course, requiring students to have prior knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and physics.

Retired aerospace engineer, Mr. Gregory Arend is the instructor of these new innovative courses. He previously worked as an aerospace engineer and got his degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota. He hopes students will understand how rockets work while gaining practical experience building and launching them. Along with his years of valuable experience, will allow students to envision what a career in engineering can look like.

Arend states that his favorite part of the semester is seeing the students’ enthusiasm as they apply their new passion in a real-life setting. Students also find enjoyment and new creative learning opportunities that help build a new perspective on aerospace engineering and incorporate previous knowledge in math and science. Jack Carey ’23 says it helps inspire him to continue looking at “aerospace as a desired career path.” The students enjoyed learning the exact details of how to make a rocket fly, how to find the pressure of the rocket, and the force of gravity. They recommend others sign up for it because they are curious about space and using the “new material you can apply to everyday life”.

“Rocket Science is a special class that Regis Jesuit has, and that is why it is unlike other schools,” said Matthew King ‘23. King was one of the first students in the course as a senior.

Students will not only find use of all their knowledge in math and science, but they will also get to build sports rockets and learn to launch them. This class is for you if you enjoy math and science or would like to apply your knowledge to reallife scenarios.

photo courtesy of Liam Kleinberg ‘23.

Students built and launched high-powered rockets this semester. Photo of a 360 degree view of the first rocket launch.

MUSIC IN THE MAKING

SENIOR ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ CONTINUES TO PLAY AND MAKE HIS OWN MUSIC

by Grant Pierce ‘23

Antonio Rodriguez ‘23 played at the Winter Instrumental Concert in the Z Theatre. Photo by Lenny Osuna ‘24.

Out of the 1,710 students attending Regis Jesuit high school, everyone hums a different tune. Each student walks with a different song in their head, a different story to tell. Antonio Rodriguez ’23 is hoping to take his music to the next level, creating songs from his story.

Music has always been influential to Antonio. He got his first guitar when he was only three years old and has played it ever since. He recalls days practicing by himself playing along with musical legends.

“I would sit in front of the TV, and my mom would record me just playing the guitar with videotapes of Santana and Eric Clapton,” Rodriguez said.

Fortunately for Rodriquez, he was surrounded by music growing up. His family is musically inclined, which plays a large part in him being gifted and drawn to play. Rodriguez has been influenced by several people growing up, even those very close to him.

“It’s mainly my grandpa, there have been my uncles who play guitar, trumpet, and violin. My mom used to play violin too.”

His family isn’t his only influence in his journey with music. Regis Jesuit has been a key part of his growing passion and life revolving in music. “Mr. Tim Sauer and Mr. Bernie Sauer have been a major influence on me because they’ve taught me a lot of what I know.”

After a freshman guitar class, Antonio started to focus on making music three years ago and is already pioneering his own form of music with “a blend between R&B, rap, and jazz.” That also “incorporates a lot of my voice into [making music] more than just talking over and rapping over the song.” Although he hasn’t released any music yet, his debut album is planned to be available everywhere by the end of the school year. Be sure to watch out for it and listen to his music.