Last week at Douglas Byrd High School (DBHS), the 2026 STARward STEM Expo brought together 11 student teams from elementary, middle and high schools across the county for a high-stakes design challenge. Over the past several months, teams collaborated on STEM projects, exploring the challenges astronauts face in space and developing experiments aimed at improving life beyond Earth.
This year's awards program emcee, Jeff "Goldy" Goldberg from Rock 103, proudly announced the following winners of the 2026 STARward STEM Design Challenge:
"Judges Choice" Winner - “Microgravity Muscle Makers: Theraputty in Space," Warrenwood Elementary School
Eleanor Beckwith
Grayson Osborn
Kailani Boston
Kaylee Hunt
Londyn Taylor
Wyatt Lauterbach
Teacher: Shanelle Chalmers
Elementary Winner - “Sweet DreamZ Team,” Vanstory Hills Elementary School
Lola Balestena
Riley Coleman
Wyatt Hall
Andrew O'Quinn
Teacher: Jean Pelezo
Secondary Winner - “The GOATS -- Dust in Microgravity: A Static Solution To Space Dust,” Douglas Byrd High School
Lily Curatolo
Malia Ketter
Soniya Robinson
Symiere Toler
Teacher: Undine Roemmer
Inspired to aim high and reach the stars, the winning teams are slated to test their experiments in simulated microgravity at NC State University on April 25, then present their projects during a trip to the Kennedy Space Center in October.
In addition to the competition, attendees explored interactive technology displays, connected with STEM professionals, and met retired astronaut Captain Tony Antonelli—a Douglas Byrd High School graduate, U.S. Navy veteran, and pilot on two Space Shuttle missions to the International Space Station (STS-119 and STS-132).
Since its launch four years ago, the STARward STEM Design Challenge has engaged more than 180 teams and over 1,100 students, helping spark interest in space exploration and innovation among young learners.
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