FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 10, 2026

Nogales Student Secures Community Support to Attend National STEM Symposium in Chicago

NOGALES, Arizona — What began as a two-day STEM experience in Nogales has evolved into a journey that is helping shape the future of a young scientist.

Alexis Simon, a soon-to-be Junior at Nogales High School, has secured sponsorship support from Generation Trade, Dr. Jaw Orthodontics, and Calixtro Distributing to attend the Higher Orbits Student Symposium: Alumni Reunion in Chicago later this month.

The symposium is part of Higher Orbits' historic celebration of its 100th Go For Launch! event and 10th Anniversary, bringing together alumni from across the country who have been inspired through space-themed STEM education experiences.

Alexis first became involved with Higher Orbits when she attended a Go For Launch! event in Nogales in 2024. During the program, she met astronaut Don Thomas, collaborated with fellow students, and discovered firsthand how science, engineering, and space exploration can create real-world solutions. The experience proved transformative. Inspired by her interests in genetics, sustainability, environmental science, and astrophysics, Alexis found a pathway that connected her passions with future STEM careers.

As a member of Team Icarus, Alexis helped design an experiment focused on sustainable food growth in microgravity. The team's project, which examined the growth of legumes in a closed-loop system in space, was selected to fly to the International Space Station.

"Go For Launch! showed me that an idea can become something real," said Simon. "Being able to work on an experiment that was launched to the International Space Station made me realize that science isn't just something you learn in a classroom, it's something that can change the future."

Alexis Simon (bottom right) with Astronaut Don Thomas and Team Icarus at Go For Launch! Nogales in 2024.

Since her participation in Go For Launch!, Alexis has continued to expand her involvement in STEM, attending industry conferences, presenting research, and engaging with professionals across Arizona's growing space community. Most recently, she participated in the Arizona Space Congress, where she connected with leaders from industry, government, and academia while exploring future opportunities in the space sector.

In addition to the Student Symposium: Alumni Reunion, Alexis will have the opportunity to attend Higher Orbits' Stellar Soirée, a special celebration marking the organization's 10th Anniversary and 100th Go For Launch! event. Held at the iconic Henry Crown Space Center at Chicago's Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the evening will bring together astronauts, industry leaders, educators, alumni, and supporters who have helped shape the organization's first decade of impact. Surrounded by historic spacecraft and exhibits that chronicle humanity's journey beyond Earth, students like Alexis will have the chance to connect with professionals and mentors who are actively shaping the future of exploration and innovation. This event is open to the public with tickets available at https://higherorbits.org/stellar-soiree/.

Throughout the Student Symposium and related events, participants will interact with veteran astronauts Wendy Lawrence, Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, Don Thomas and Kate Rubins.

Their experiences aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station provide students with unique insights into leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and the real-world applications of STEM. For Alexis, who first discovered her passion for space exploration through Higher Orbits, the opportunity to learn directly from astronauts represents another milestone in a journey that began with a single Go For Launch! event and continues to open doors toward a future career in STEM.

"Alexis represents exactly why Higher Orbits exists," said Michelle Lucas, Founder and CEO of Higher Orbits. "A single experience can change a student's trajectory. Alexis took that opportunity and turned it into a launching point for her future. We are incredibly grateful to the local businesses and community leaders who stepped forward to support her journey."

Alexis Simon (in red) at the Arizona Space Congress event in April 2026, alongside fellow Arizona
Go For Launch! participant Zahra Ali, Higher Orbits Founder and CEO Michelle Lucas, and COO Alice Carruth.

The support provided by Generation Trade, Dr. Jaw Orthodontics, and Calixtro Distributing demonstrates the power of local investment in the next generation of STEM leaders. Their sponsorship ensures Alexis can participate in this milestone event and continue building the skills, connections, and experiences that will help shape her future career.

The Higher Orbits Student Symposium: Alumni Reunion will be held in Chicago on June 24-27, as part of the organization's celebration of ten years of inspiring students through spaceflight, exploration, and STEM education. For more information about Higher Orbits, visit HigherOrbits.org.

ABOUT HIGHER ORBITS

Higher Orbits is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses space to inspire students to pursue STEM fields while building teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Through immersive, hands-on programs including Go For Launch! and other educational initiatives, Higher Orbits has engaged thousands of students across the country, empowering them to succeed in school, careers, and life. Learn more at HigherOrbits.org. More images can be found at https://OntheRunPhotoChicago.pixieset.com/higherorbitsgalacticgolf/.