Alejandra Mata, a San Benito High School junior, has been accepted as a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) High School Aerospace Scholar.
During the next few months, Alejandra will be completing online distance-learning modules from a professor at Rice University in collaboration with NASA. After completing the required training, she will be assigned as an intern at the NASA Johnson Space Center for one week and is scheduled to meet one of mission control’s director Dec. 19
“I am extremely excited! I feel it is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am eager give it my best,” she said. “I feel blessed to have the support of my parents and teachers because I feel this wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Alejandra, the daughter of Ramon and Nadia Mata, is a physics student instructed by Monica Cervantes, a former NASA Johnson Space Center Texas Aerospace scholar.
“Alejandra is an is an outstanding student. Alejandra caught the vision of leaving a legacy in her community and worked hard to accomplish it,” Cervantes said. “I’m proud of Alejandra’s decision to be challenged and push herself beyond her comfort zone.”
Alejandra will be participating in online distance learning and will have an opportunity to pursue an aerospace science degree at a four-year university, including the likelihood of being recruited to work with NASA.
“It is a foot in one of the most desired and prestigious careers in the nation. The South Texas Engineering Math and Science (STEMS) program will expose her to many scientists that have a career at NASA as well,” Cervantes said.
A selection panel reviewed the highly competitive applicant pool and selected Alejandra based on her outstanding application profile, including the essay composition and letter of recommendation.
As a scholar, Alejandra will be required to commit to the online distance-learning component of the project, which includes eight modules, a final project, with reading and research assignments, quizzes, simulations, and discussion forums.
She has a chance to be selected for the on-site summer experience based upon the successful completion of the graded online course, essay application content and geographic location.
By participating and completing both the online course and the on-site summer experience, she may be eligible to receive a science elective credit towards graduation.
Alejandra, who plans to major in Astronomy, hopes to gain valuable knowledge skills and hands-on experiences that will help her with her future goals.
Principal Henry Sanchez noted that San Benito High School encourages high expectations from all students. “Having one of our students qualify for this highly selective program is an absolute honor,” Sanchez said.
Besides praising the Alejandra’s accomplishments, Sanchez also praised the teacher’s role as a mentor.
“Mona Cervantes has been fulfilling a mentorship role for her students,” he said. “San Benito High School prides itself on its diverse and talented faculty responsible for serving as a guiding force for their students.”
Besides securing this prestigious honor, San Benito High School boasts a history of producing Gates Millennium and Advanced Placement scholars.
“San Benito High School faculty and staff work diligently to provide students with post-secondary readiness by supporting them with rigorous academic preparation throughout their high school careers,” Sanchez said.
San Benito High School junior Alejandra Mata, third from left, will participate in the Texas High School Aerospace Scholars Project. Shown with Alejandra is her father, Ramon Mata, physics teacher and STEMS sponsor Monica Cervantes, and her mother, Nadia Mata.