NEWS
STEAM at MCS
Margaretville Central School recently had twenty one teams of students compete in the winter STEAM showcase. In partnership with 21st CentED, Margaretville’s Ivan Herrera brought the community together in his role as MCS’ STEM coordinator.
Local judges Tracy Reither, Doris Warner, Donald Bramley, and John Hubbell had the challenging task of scoring each team — our own shark tank. Despite the serious setup, smiles and laughter abounded in the packed gymnasium.
The contestant teams pitched innovative ideas for both the sneaker challenge and food truck challenge. Beyond prestige, the 1st place teams for 5th, 6th grade, and high school will each receive real productions of their shoe prototypes. Cash prizes and superlative awards were also given out for all of the hard work on display.
Food Truck Challenge
1st Place: LilliAnn Van Benschoten
2nd Place: Mackenzie Hubbell
Sneaker Challenge
5th Grade
1st Place: The Queens - Harper Aubry, Miller Fairbairn & Blake Roberts
2nd Place: KWP 17’s - Wylde Bender, Khaled Marin & Patrick MgLoughlin
6th Grade
1st Place: RM (Random) - Addison Passarelli & Autumn Buerge
2nd Place: Oxygen Industries - Jack Mead & Eddie Flores
Highschool
1st Place: Stichez - Miley Balcom & Callum Fairbairn
2nd Place: ORO - Jaleigha Ortiz, Cheyenne Odell & Yaretzi Robles
Overall Awards
Timeless Classic Design: Stichez - Miley Balcom & Callum Fairbairn
Most Likely to be on Instagram: Oxygen Industries - Eddie Flores & Jack Mead
Most Innovative shoe: ABC - Aubrey Hougen, Blake Tallman
& Carlotta Sanchez
Students practiced public speaking in presenting their innovative ideas before a large audience. Their teamwork was on full display as each student brought their own vibe to a cohesive presentation. In preparing the students for their future, the STEM programs
“help students discover real-world applications, spark their creativity and develop 21st-century skills including media and technology literacy, productivity, social skills, communication, flexibility and initiative.”
With the major success of the winter showcase, Margaretville Central School will continue with an annual showcase and is considering adding a summer production.