It was Reuben’s inspirational Year 10 Science teacher who sparked his fascination for space, all things astronomical and his dream of becoming an astronaut. He also has a deep passion for the environment which motivated him to lead and organise two successful native plantings involving around 150 MBC and MGC students. In 2022 Reuben was the top overall academic student at MBC and was awarded the Wilderness Park Trophy for Emerging Environmental Leadership. This year he was selected into the Hyundai Pinnacle which identifies young New Zealanders with the skills and potential to become the next generation of leaders. Reuben’s long term goals include postgraduate study in astrobiology and developing the skills needed to one day become an astronaut. His grant contributed to Reuben travelling to Norway to attend European Space Camp and learn from some of the brightest minds in European science (and they got to build and launch a rocket – how cool is that)!