Katherine Perales Picked For NASA Summer Program

La Grange High School junior Katherine Perales has been invited to participate in NASA’s Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) virtual summer program. She applied to the program in the fall of 2019 and after being accepted she began completing numerous requirements during the fall and spring semesters.

The requirements included interactive lessons on NASA’s activities related to space exploration, Earth science, technology, mathematics and aeronautics. Along with design challenges including 3D drawings, science and math quizzes, discussion posts, technology writings and virtual chats with NASA engineers and scientists.

Perales has now been chosen to advance in the program and will engage in a five day, Artemis-themed mission which includes completing quests and leveling up with a team of likeminded peers. This virtual experience will allow her to be a NASA engineer designing the next mission to deep space. As her team completes each level, they will be given access to NASA mentors, subject matter experts and virtual tours of the NASA facilities.

She will receive an online ½ science elective credit, an onsite ½ science elective credit and scholarship and internship opportunities.

Her parents, Carolina and Daniel Perales are very proud of her accomplishments. “My husband and I are so proud of the young woman she is becoming. Katherine has had to face a lot of difficult obstacles in her life, but she has never allowed herself to be defeated. We truly admire her strength and her passion to someday make a positive change in this world. Supporting her every step of the way, wherever the road may lead,” said Carolina.

Perales’ career goal is to work hard to become a Biomedical Engineer and work at NASA.