Boyce Teams Earn Top Finishes at STEM Design Challenge

In the middle school division (grades 6-8), a team of sixth-grade students captured second place. Team members included Pragnya Chetlur, Jackie Kelly, Grace Li and Miriam Wynne.

In the elementary division (grades 4-5), a team of fifth-grader students earned third-place. Team members included Sam Chapagai, Vian Mistry, Leo Pascarella and Cody Schroeck.

The event brought together young innovators from across the region to apply their creativity, problem-solving and engineering skills in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Students from both Boyce Middle School and Fort Couch Middle School participated in the competition.

Boyce students were supported by Lydia Herman, accelerated math and gifted/enrichment resource teacher, who helped guide students throughout their preparation.

“Our students demonstrated outstanding teamwork and ingenuity throughout the competition,” Mrs. Herman said. “We are incredibly proud of all participating students from both Boyce and Fort Couch for representing our district with enthusiasm, creativity, and excellence in STEM learning.”

The STEM Design Challenge requires each team to develop a blueprint and engineering journal detailing their structure and the design process. During the competition, students must build their structure from the blueprint within a two-hour time limit, followed by a presentation to a panel of judges.

The strong performances highlight Upper St. Clair students’ growing interest in STEM and their ability to collaborate, innovate and solve real-world challenges.