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Adrian Robb and Sally Bruce - Source: Fairfax
A passion for science and space is taking two New Plymouth students all the way to Houston, Texas.
One year 12 student from both New Plymouth Boys' and Girls' high schools have been selected to travel to America where they will join 30 like-minded teenagers from 18 different countries.
New Plymouth Girls' High School's Sally Bruce, 16, says the trip to the academic base of the Foundation for International Space Education in Houston is her first taste of another country.
"I'm excited about everything we're going to get to do and I know I want to work in either astrophysics or quantum mechanics," she said.
"The dream is to one day work at a space centre."
Sally said 12 students applied for the opportunity and last week her principal, Jenny Ellis, told her she had been selected to go. "The four other finalists were there as well and I was really excited when I found out but felt really bad for the other girls," she said.
Fifteen-year-old Adrian Robb, from New Plymouth Boys' High School, said he found out late last year that he had been selected.
"I was pretty happy but I'm not really the screaming sort."
National Certificate of Educational Achievement level 2 physics and maths is a subject requirement to take part in the programme and Adrian says he has always been passionate about science and technology.
The lucky pair will be approaching people to help sponsor the $5000 they each need to pay for the trip in July.
"There will probably be a few sausage sizzles as well," Sally said.
Families connected to the space education centre will host the students while they are visiting for two weeks.
"It will be great to meet so many new people and make new friends," she said.
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