ATGLEN, PA — Octorara Area School District is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of its students at the recent STEM Design Challenge hosted by the Chester County Intermediate Unit.
The competition brought together students in grades 4–8 from across the region, with participants competing in elementary and middle school divisions. Working in teams of three to four, students were presented with a design prompt and began preparing back in January. Through brainstorming, research, and hands-on building, teams developed innovative solutions to the challenge.
Octorara students demonstrated exceptional creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, earning top honors in the competition:
- 1st Place (Middle School Division) – Team Citrax: Ryan Mitman, Merritt Zavacki, Gavin Bowen, Haydin Yoon
- 1st Place (Elementary Division) – Team E-Bricks: Nathan Campos, Eli King, Seamus Ralston
- 2nd Place (Middle School Division) – Team EGO: Claire Sours, Avery Remphrey, Ryan Jurich, Lukas Metzler
- 2nd Place (Elementary Division) – Team Citric: Goldie Brendle, Ana Kozacheson, Miles Repsher
- Honorable Mention (Middle School Division) – Team Sun Fount: Ella Decosta, Natalie Martin, Maci Marshman
- Honorable Mention (Elementary Division) – Team Cornadoes: Elizabeth Haws, Cooper Kowlachik, Erin Miller
As a result of their first-place finishes, Team Citrax and Team E-Bricks will advance to the state competition, which will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA. The first-place team in each grade division from regional competitions earns the opportunity to compete at the state level.
“The challenge encompasses all areas of STEM requiring students to work together as well as exercise their writing and oral presentation skills,” said Mrs. Christine Gray, Gifted Support Teacher (K–5) at Octorara Elementary Schools. “The students at Octorara have enjoyed participating in the competition and appreciate the CCIU’s commitment to continuing to provide this opportunity for students in Chester County each year.”
“Opportunities like the STEM Design Challenge are critical in helping students apply their learning in meaningful ways,” said Dr. Shawn Dutkiewicz, Superintendent of Octorara Area School District. “By investing in STEM education, we are equipping our students with the skills to think critically, solve complex problems, and express their creativity. It is inspiring to see our students represent the district with such innovation and pride.”
For more information about Octorara Area School District, please visit octorara.k12.pa.us.
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