Superintendent Heath Grimes and board President Jerry Groce present resolutions to each member of the RCS Engineering team, which achieved international success at the 2015 Paris Air Show in the international rocketry competition versus the United Kingdom and France.

By Alison James

alison.james@fct.wpengine.com

Excellence was recognized again at a called school board meeting Monday to commend RCS Engineering.

The Russellville City Schools Board of Education presented each member of the RCS Engineering team with a framed resolution recognizing their accomplishment as the winning team in the international rocket competition.

Board President Jerry Groce said he and the other school board members were at the Alabama Association of School Boards annual meeting when they received word of the RCS Engineering international win.

“I cannot tell you how much excitement was generated at that meeting – from people all across the state. People were coming up to us and talking about what a great accomplishment that was and how proud they were of Russellville,” Groce said. “I don’t know if you realize yet how impressive this victory was … We look forward to this really meaning something to Russellville City School system going forward and helping us provide more opportunities for students.”

A reception was held following the board meeting for the RCS Engineering team and all meeting attendees, featuring breakfast items including fruit skewers made to look like rockets.

“We’re extremely proud of you,” said Superintendent Heath Grimes. “You have put Russellville City Schools on the international stage … You are really to be commended. It’s remarkable, and we’re extremely proud of you.”

Other recognitions and ceremonies are forthcoming to honor the team, including an event planned at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville July 17 and in Montgomery July 22.