Two students from House District 18 have been chosen to attend a space academy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center through a scholarship program funded by the Space Academy for Leading Students in Alabama – which is funded by the State of Alabama Legislature. One of those students is Carter Fretwell, who attends Russellville Middle School.

Fretwell is in the eighth grade and said he plans on being an engineer when he grows up. He said he likes to create and build things and enjoys learning about STEM-related topics like rockets.

At SALSA he will learn the history of the space program, use teamwork to solve complex problems using STEM concepts and critical thinking, learn to train like an astronaut using authentic simulators and embark on a simulated space mission. According to SALSA, this experience is meant to “inspire students to get engaged in mathematics and science while exposing them to career paths in the aerospace industry and beyond.”

Fretwell said one of his biggest motivators is his own life experience. He has been diagnosed with fibular hemimelia, which has affected his left leg growth and bone structure. Because of this, his mobility is limited.

“I want to build limb enhancements for people with medical conditions such as mine,” he said.

Fretwell’s tuition, room and board for this camp will be covered by this scholarship.

“We’re proud of Carter and this opportunity for one of our students,” said RMS school counselor Jeremie Kinney.

The camp will be May 26-31.