Two teams from Smethport Area School District represented the district at the Pennsylvania State STEM Design Challenge in Harrisburg on Friday.

Among the competitors were three returning champions: Wyatt Hungiville, Andrew Benson and Zadoc Angell, the eighth grade team that took home the state title in 2024.

“As last year’s state champions, we know better than most that hard work pays off,” they shared. “We hope to achieve similar results this year.”

Joining them at the state competition for the first time was an energetic team of fourth and fifth grade Hubbers, Carson Taylor, Cameron Carlson, Hunter Miller and Brooklyn Larson.

After securing first place in their regional competition, these young engineers were eager to showcase their talents on a bigger stage.

“We are nervous but excited to go and build our designs for others to see, to present to the judges, and see what other teams will bring to states,” said the team before heading to the competition.

STEM Design Challenge teams are judged on their ability to create innovative solutions using K’Nex building materials to solve real-world problems while applying principles of science, technology, engineering and math.

“I’m extremely proud of their hard work and commitment to the project,” said their teacher. “With high expectations, they rose to the challenge. Their designs are not only creative but also well-executed and structurally sound from an engineering perspective.”

From left, Brooklyn Larson, Cameron Carlson, Carson Taylor and Hunter Miller represented Smethport’s fourth and fifth grades at the Pennsylvania State STEM Design Challenge in Harrisburg on Friday.

Era photo by Cory Angell