VI Students Finish Elite Space & Aviation Training

M.A. Dworkin

USVI - Seven high school students from the U.S. Virgin Islands returned from an unforgettable week at Space Camp 2025, held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. From astronaut simulations to advanced aviation challenges, the experience ignited their imaginations and perhaps even their future careers. 

Six of the students attended Advanced Space Academy, an immersive program for students ages 15-18 that builds on NASA style training through authentic simulations of space missions, scuba diving-based neural buoyancy exercises, and engineering challenges. The program culminated in a 24-hour simulated space mission where students assumed real-life roles in mission control and spacecraft.

One participant, Anais Craig of St. John, completed Aviation Challenge Mach III, the highest level of flight training for high schoolers. She and her peers trained like elite fighter pilots, practicing water survival skills, land navigation, and simulated combat scenarios in high-performance flight simulators. Ms. Craig was also honored with the Right Stuff Award, a prestigious individual recognition given to one trainee each week in each program. Modeled after the Tom Wolfe novel of the same name, the award celebrates participants who go above and beyond to embody the spirit of early test pilots and astronauts, demonstrating exceptional leadership, teamwork, and determination. Anais Craig, who plans to pursue aerodynamics or hydrodynamics in college and to get a job as an engineering scientist, expressed her gratitude to RapierMed for the scholarship and encouraged other Virgin Islanders to apply for it.

“Space Camp was more than just learning about space,” said fellow camper Naitik Jhanwar. “It was about leadership, teamwork, and pushing our limits. From astronaut simulations to rock climbing challenges, every experience helped us grow, build trust, and connect with people from all over.”

The scholarships were fully funded by the Kym’s Kids Caribbean Agency Fund at the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) in partnership with RapierMed, and included all expenses - airfare, lodging, meals, tuition, and personalized Space Camp flight suits.

“Our goal is to give students access to life-changing STEM experiences that challenge and empower them,” said RapierMed Business Support Manager, Allena Clifford. “This kind of opportunity lights a spark that can last a lifetime - and we’re honored to help make it possible.”

CFVI President Dee Baecher-Brown agreed. 

“At CFVI, we believe in the power of opportunity to transform lives,” she said. “We’re proud to support these remarkable students as they explore their potential and expand their horizons through experiences like Space Camp.”

The students represented a cross-section of the Virgin Islands, including St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Participants included:

• Seamus Henry O’Donnell (Gift Hill School)

• Colum Morgan (St. Croix Educational Complex High School) 

• Sumyah Mark (Charlotte Amalie High School)

• Tiera J’Nai Polanco (St. Croix Educational Complex High School)

• Naitik Jhanwar (All Saints Cathedral School)

• Kali Calhoun (Ivanna Eudora Kean High School)   

• Anais Craig (Gift Hill School)

Parents were equally moved by the experience.

“This opportunity gave Naitik new wings to pursue his passion for space exploration,” said Naitik’s father, Harish. “We’re deeply grateful to RapierMed. Without their support, this incredible journey wouldn’t have been possible.”  

Space Camp and Aviation Challenge are known for developing leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork through hands-on STEM learning. Since its founding in 1982, more than 700,000 students from across the globe have attended, 

“Space Camp is a great experience,” said Naitik. “Given the chance, I would love to go again and continue living like an astronaut.” 

For more information about RapierMed or its community partnerships, please visit rapiermed.com  or call 340-693-2535.

RapierMed is a global investment firm committed to restoring compassion in healthcare through strategic investments in life sciences and medical technology. Its broader portfolio spans multiple sectors, driven by a disciplined approach focused on delivering consistent, risk-adjusted returns.