LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Jefferson County high school has a unique team taking students to new heights. 

Atherton High School's drone team teaches students how to use new technologies.

Growing up, 18-year-old Hannah Francis said she always liked rockets, an interest that never failed. 

“When I decided to go to Atherton, I went into engineering," Francis said. "I went into aerospace pathway, and I met Mr. [Alan] Williams, who focuses a lot on drones in his classes. So I worked a lot with them."

After joining the drone club three years ago, Francis is now the organization's president. 

"I've just enjoyed it," Francis said. "They're all, like, my little family, so it's super fun."

The team competes in a few competitions, testing their flight skills and programming abilities. Every week, they arrange mini courses to try flying drones, which are sometimes successful. 

The school offers more than just the drone team, which is getting new rocket drones in the coming weeks. They also have a flight simulation team.

“They're taking the material or taken the ideas behind this industry, and they're just running with it," said Alan Williams, Atherton engineering department head. "It's been a lot of fun to be part of and fun to watch them grow and develop in this." 

Once Francis graduates high school, she said she plans to continue her education in aerospace engineering. She added Morehead State, Purdue and Murray State as colleges of interest.

In the drone team's second year of competition, it took first and third at a statewide competition. Atherton's flight simulation team also took third last year.