San Juan, Philippines – Xavier School proudly celebrates Drew Harley Cagadoc of Grade 10A, who earned international recognition as a Xavier School student NASA delegate at the prestigious HASSE Space School Program held at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. His team received the Bronze Award for their outstanding performance in advanced space science challenges.
The NASA HASSE Space School Program is an immersive international training experience that engages young learners in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Participants work together on hands-on projects, including robotics navigation, rocket design and launch, astronaut suit prototyping, and the construction of simulated Martian habitats. These experiences not only deepen technical knowledge but also sharpen problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership skills.
For Drew, the program was both memorable and transformative.
“My most memorable experience at the NASA Johnson Space Center was building a tiny rover to collect lunar samples and designing, constructing, and launching rockets. These activities boosted my skills in engineering and robotics while making the program more fun and memorable,” he shared.
He also reflected on how the program pushed him to see learning in a bigger way:
“The HASSE Space School challenged me to give my best and learn new advanced skills. It taught me to see the bigger picture and ‘Have a giant goal and believe in it.’ Meeting and collaborating with U.S. experts sharpened my communication, leadership, and confidence.”
When asked what message he would like to give fellow Xaverians, Drew encouraged them to embrace opportunities beyond their comfort zones:
“Embrace challenges and don’t be afraid to go beyond your comfort zone. Keep an open mind, push your limits, and treat failure as part of the learning process. We Filipinos have what it takes to excel and stand proud on the global academic stage.”
This achievement highlights the excellence of a Xavier School student NASA participant and reflects the school’s mission to form students who are globally competitive, future-ready, and committed to lifelong learning. Through programs like the HASSE Space School, Xavier School continues to provide avenues for students to discover their potential and shine on the world stage.
