State students from Ourilândia do Norte shine nationally at the 2nd Rocket Journey in Brasília
A total of 38 students from the Dr. Romildo Veloso e Silva State School participated in the competition and won gold, silver, and bronze medals
At the Dr. Romildo Veloso e Silva State High School in Ourilândia do Norte, Araguaia Integration Region, dedication and learning are words that mark the daily life of educators and students. Among the numerous projects that characterize school life, the flagship project is "On Top of Knowledge", which has transformed the way students experience learning and results in significant achievements in national scientific olympiads.
One of the results was achieved at the 2nd Cerrado Rocket Journey, held in Brasília, Federal District, from August 28 to 30. A total of 38 students from the school participated in the event, which featured an intense scientific, cultural, and educational program, bringing together students from all over Brazil.
“The students actively participated in all stages. Among the activities, the presentation of rockets and bases at the Brasília Planetarium stands out, as well as guided visits to the National Congress, strengthening the integration between science, culture, and citizenship,” explained the school's vice-principal, Dhenison Carlos.
In the main stage of the event – the launch of Level 4 rockets (High School – Propulsion with chemical reaction), the Dr. Romildo Veloso State School shone with the Constellar Team, achieving significant results, with six gold medals; three silver medals and one bronze medal.
“I participated in the 1st and 2nd editions of the Cerrado Rocket Journey in Brasília. Representing our school in a journey and showing that our school is not limited to our municipality and that it can be showcased to the outside, to the whole country, was a gift. Having this on our resume, being able to talk, show that we are and can do much more, is very good. This journey opens doors both to show our development and to demonstrate that we are capable of growth. Being able to travel, meet people, places, and have new experiences in these journeys is fundamental for the growth of students and even for the growth of the teachers who accompany us. And this journey was very important for us, and I can only be grateful,” commented the 3rd-year high school student, Weverton da Cruz.
The Chemistry teacher, Poliana Romualdo, received a gold medal in the “Teacher's Rocket” category, an important recognition for her central role in preparing and supporting the team. "As a Chemistry teacher, I had the opportunity to closely follow the 2nd Cerrado Rocket Journey and I can say that it was a transformative experience for the students. These olympiads go far beyond competition: they stimulate scientific curiosity, encourage teamwork, and develop essential skills such as creativity, persistence, and critical thinking. It is gratifying to observe how each student engages in the challenges, learns in practice, and is inspired to dream big, realizing the importance of science in everyday life and in their academic and professional future,” highlighted teacher Poliana.
The journey also included the presence of the school principal, Arlene Reis, and the pedagogical vice-principal, Deuseval Borges, who accompanied the students through all stages of the competition.
On Top of Knowledge - Created in 2024, the project was born with the aim of stimulating research, logical reasoning, interest in sciences, and the integration of different subjects in the school curriculum. The initiative allows students to develop not only knowledge but also autonomy, teamwork, and discipline. In its first year of execution, the “On Top of Knowledge” project revealed talents that gained prominence in competitions, showcasing the strength of a structured and collective pedagogical work. This year, the project prepared and encouraged students' participation in the 2nd Cerrado Rocket Journey.
In 2024, the project awarded around 90 students for achievements in various knowledge olympiads, such as the Brazilian Astronomy and Astronautics Olympiad (OBA); Mathematical Kangaroo; National Science Olympiad (ONC); Tech Marathon; Direct Treasure Olympiad of Financial Education (OLITEF); and National Nanotechnology Olympiad (ONANO).
In 2025, the numbers remain significant. So far, the school has already accumulated 21 gold medals; 19 silver medals; 11 bronze medals and two honorable mentions in the Mathematical Kangaroo Olympiad. In addition to two bronze medals in the national OBA exam and three gold medals, 10 silver medals, and six bronze medals in the Brazilian Rocket Olympiad (OBAFOG) 2025.
