NFHS Student One of 300 Worldwide at Leadership Challenge Academy

Patch Staff Report

North Forsyth High School’s Madison James of Cumming is one of just two Georgia students participating in the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy (HLCA) at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Ala.

Honeywell has awarded scholarships to 304 students from 38 countries and 33 U.S. states to attend the unique leadership academy that runs over two consecutive week-long programs from Feb. 21 to March 7.

Joining James from the Peach State is Ryan Mahoney, who lives in nearby Johns Creek and attends Chattahoochee High School.

Designed in partnership with the USSRC, the HLCA provides students between the ages of 16-18 with a unique opportunity to engage in sessions addressing current issues in science, technology and engineering (STEM). 

Activities are delivered in fun and innovative ways that bring STEM studies to life. The program is designed to build students’ leadership skills and develop their capacities through hands on challenges.

During the program, the students will meet scientists, engineers and former astronauts who will reinforce core leadership competencies and share their first-hand professional experiences. 

Students will engage in team-building challenges such as designing, building and testing their own rockets; participating in simulated astronaut training, shuttle missions and a moon walk; and conducting DNA extraction experiments on fruit.  

For more information about HLCA, visit http://leadership.honeywell.com/