Student Spotlight- Johani Cooper

West Catholic Junior Selected for Space Camp Through Paul George Foundation

Johani, a junior from West Philadelphia, recently took her love of science and technology to new heights—literally. Through West Catholic’s Robotics program, she was selected by the Paul George Foundation to attend a unique Space Camp experience in Huntsville, Alabama.

For Johani, the experience was nothing short of transformative. Immersed in hands-on missions and team challenges designed to simulate real NASA operations, she said the program made her feel like she was “a real astronaut.” Beyond the thrill of space exploration, Johani shared that the camp helped her grow in unexpected ways.

“It really taught me how to problem-solve and think creatively under pressure,” she said. “You had to trust your teammates and work together to find solutions — just like in real missions.”

The Space Camp experience expanded Johani’s horizons and reaffirmed her dream of pursuing a career in mechanical engineering. She’s already mapping out her college path, with top choices including the University of Michigan, Stanford University, and Howard University — schools known for their strong engineering and innovation programs.

Back at West Catholic, Johani continues to explore her interests and leadership skills through a variety of activities. She is an active member of Student Council, Robotics, WestNet, and Photography Club, and serves as a Student Ambassador, welcoming prospective students and families to the school community.

When asked what she loves most about West Catholic, Johani doesn’t hesitate: it’s the people.

“Everyone here is so supportive and encouraging,” she said. “West Catholic feels like a family. It’s a place where you can be yourself and still be pushed to do your best.”

Johani’s story reflects the spirit of West Catholic — where curiosity, community, and opportunity come together to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.