Octorara Area School District is proud to announce that its students earned four top finishes and two honorable mentions at the recent STEM Design Challenge hosted by the Chester County Intermediate Unit.
The competition brought together students in grades 4â8 from across the region, with participants competing in elementary and middle school divisions. 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, students developed innovative and creative solutions.
Middle School Division Winners:
1st Place â Team Citrax: Ryan Mitman, Merritt Zavacki, Gavin Bowen, Haydin Yoon
2nd Place â Team EGO: Claire Sours, Avery Remphrey, Ryan Jurich, Lukas Metzler
Honorable Mention â Team Sun Fount: Ella Decosta, Natalie Martin, Maci Marshman
Elementary Division Winners:
1st Place â Team E-Bricks: Nathan Campos, Eli King, Seamus Ralston
2nd Place â Team Citric: Goldie Brendle, Ana Kozacheson, Miles Repsher
Honorable Mention â 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.
Congratulations to all of our participating students for their hard work, teamwork, and innovation. We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments!
