For the second consecutive year, Irving ISD’s STEM & Innovation and Career & Technical Education Departments collaborated with Verizon, Holt Caterpillar, and Arizona State University to host the Ignite STEM Competition on February 27 at Verizon’s corporate headquarters in Las Colinas.
Middle school students enrolled in the STEM Innovation course competed in five engineering and STEM challenges, with the top two student groups from each category presenting their projects to industry professionals.
Competition Winners:
3D Printing Mini-Sculpture Challenge: Elements of Nature – Native Texas Flora and Fauna
- Evelyn Contreras and Jacqueline Escalante, Crockett Middle School
- Layla Milic and Caleb Martinez, Bowie Middle School
- Judah Valdez and Mason Goodson, Travis Middle School
Laser Cut Logo Design Challenge: Nature’s Business
- Tram Luu and Kristina Martinez, Bowie Middle School
- Analiah Romo, Crockett Middle School
- Sebastian Labrada and Jacob Bradford, Houston Middle School
Rover Maze Challenge: A Drive Through Nature
- Damian Garcia and Blake Ross, Crockett Middle School
- Darlene Valdez and David McDonald, Houston Middle School
- Austin Langle and Judah Valdez, Travis Middle School
Problem Solving Competition: Weather the Storm
- Mona Cerda and Angel Sanchez-Bautista, Bowie Middle School
- Bibi Haidary and Audrey Perez, Crockett Middle School
- Juan Garcia and Justin Argueta, Austin Middle School
Video Game Design Challenge: Ecosystem Adventure
- Ethan Uribe-Bencomo and Angel Cardiel, Crockett Middle School
- Maximo Villarreal and Carlos Cabannet, Austin Middle School
- Liam Boyden, Travis Middle School
The competition provided students with hands-on experience and real-world problem-solving opportunities, reinforcing their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
