CY Middle School Among the 10 National Finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition

CYMS is committed to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and innovation among its students. For the second year in a row, CYMS teacher Christy Roger’s CTE class has participated in and won the competition at the state level. 

This year, CYMS 8th-grade Advanced Engineering students participated in extensive research and collaboration to develop and explore the innovative solution that has earned them prestigious national recognition for their outstanding efforts in tackling food waste. The students showcased exceptional problem-solving skills, creativity, and ingenuity through their project. Leveraging their engineering expertise, the students devised a comprehensive plan to address food waste issues, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges, practicality, and effectiveness in creating a meaningful solution. As a result of their remarkable achievement, student and staff representatives will travel to Washington, D.C., to present their team project idea to a broader audience and pitch their innovative solution. Samsung judges will then select three National Winners, who will each receive a $100,000 prize package. The remaining seven National Finalist schools will be awarded $50,000 in Samsung technology and classroom supplies.

This remarkable accomplishment underscores the importance of empowering students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply their skills to real-world challenges. The 8th-grade Advanced Engineering class's success inspires young minds everywhere and demonstrates the transformative power of education and innovation.

“This was a fun experience, I got to learn a lot more about the engineering process and learning how it is used today.” ~ Alek Harshman 

“I’m not just happy about making it to nationals, but I am happy to be able to contribute to making this world more sustainable.” ~ Sarah White 

“I learned about problem-solving and working as a team.” ~ Peyton Harrison.

Congratulations to each of the extraordinary students for their success and achievement: Brody Alvey, Ian Backman, Ava Campbell, Quentin Haid, Brendan Hargraves, Ryley Harris, Peyton Harrison, Alek Harshman, Jack Huss, Declan Johnson, Sadie Lebsock, Rosie Levitt, Keyelyn Merdink, Parker Ries, Levi Scott, Audrey Shores, Sarah White, Brodey Wilcox, Duke Wilson, and Christy Rodgers (teacher). 

VOTE FOR CYMS TODAY!

Of the 10 National Finalists, one Community Choice Winner will be named, receiving an additional $10,000 prize package. From now until April 23, 2024, YOU – our valued community – can cast your vote for CYMS’s STEM solution. Simply watch the student-created video on the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow website and submit your choice. You can vote once per day. Voting is open daily until 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 23, 2024.

CYMS Advanced Engineering Students Project Preparation Video

Learn more about the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition below:

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a national competition designed to empower students in grades 6-12 to leverage the power of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) to create innovative solutions addressing critical issues in their local communities.

The competition empowers public middle and high school students to catalyze change by applying Problem-based Learning (PBL) principles, environmental stewardship, and social impact entrepreneurship to address some of society's most pressing challenges.

Gen Zers participating in this year’s competition have boldly entered their game-changing ideas to address accessibility, mental health, Indigenous language preservation, and more.

The full list of 10 National Finalists can be found here.