Robbinsdale Area Schools Honored as NASA HUNCH Center of Excellence; Armstrong Students Advance to National Stage

Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale) celebrated a momentous achievement on Dec. 11 as the district was officially named a NASA HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) Center of Excellence. This designation recognizes the district’s outstanding contributions to NASA’s project-based learning program, making it only the fourth district in the country to earn this prestigious title.

The ceremony, held at Armstrong High School (AHS), featured remarks from NASA representatives, district leaders, and students who have been deeply involved in the program. AHS serves as the primary site for all NASA HUNCH initiatives in the district and has been a hub for innovation and student success. (Check out the photo gallery.)

"Being named a NASA HUNCH Center of Excellence is a phenomenal honor for Rdale,” said Superintendent Dr. Teri Staloch. “It speaks to the dedication of our students, staff, and community to innovation, collaboration, and real-world learning. This recognition puts our district on the national stage, showcasing the incredible opportunities we provide for our students to dream big and make a tangible impact on the world—and beyond. I couldn’t be more proud of the students and staff who are leading the way."

Nancy Hall, a research scientist and HUNCH project manager at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, shared the significance of this honor.

"We have a program called (Center of Excellence), where we look at schools that stand above all the others in the programs they're doing and how they serve their community and schools,” Hall said. “Today, I'm proud to let everyone know that Robbinsdale Area Schools is now our fourth NASA Center of Excellence."

Student Achievements Shine Bright

The event also highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of AHS students, two groups of whom were recently selected as finalists in NASA’s prestigious Human Research Program. These students will present their projects at the international conference in Galveston, Texas, in January. Out of hundreds of teams nationally, only 25 were chosen for this honor.

The first group, seniors Victoria Kind, Sylvia Digre, Ben Nack, and junior Saharra Edwards, is working on a project titled Long Duration Space Flight Mental Health. Their research explores solutions to support astronauts' mental well-being during extended missions.

The second group, seniors Cameron Auger-Pirri, Logan Kanter, and junior Alexis Molitor, is tackling Micro Gravity IV Fluid Administration. Their work addresses critical challenges in medical care for astronauts in zero-gravity environments.

Hall praised the students’ selection, noting the significance of their upcoming presentation.

"You're going to have people from all over the Human Research Program—educators, scientists, engineers, doctors—from not just the U.S. but internationally," Hall said. "These students will be showing their ideas, and it's exciting to see them recognized on this level."

A Teacher’s Dedication Recognized

The ceremony also paid tribute to Luke Becker, the AHS teacher leading the HUNCH program. Cody Farinacci, an Engineer and HUNCH Project Manager at NASA Glenn Research Center, commended Becker’s dedication to his students and the program.

"There are a lot of teachers doing great things, but Luke stands out," Farinacci said. "From the start, he has been committed to supporting his students and helping other schools. He puts his heart and soul into this work because he knows what his students are capable of achieving. It’s wonderful to see his efforts recognized."

A District and School of Innovation

AHS Principal Erick Norby expressed pride in the school’s leadership in the NASA HUNCH program, emphasizing its alignment with Rdale’s commitment to preparing students for the future.

"This designation as a NASA HUNCH Center of Excellence reflects the exceptional work of our students, staff, and community,” Norby said. "Armstrong’s leadership in this program demonstrates our dedication to providing educational opportunities that inspire innovation."

The recognition as a Center of Excellence and the students’ national achievements underscore the district’s focus on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration through real-world challenges. From contributing to NASA’s missions to representing Rdale on an international stage, AHS students continue to exemplify excellence in education and innovation.