STARward STEM Design Challenge empowers students to aim high and reach the stars

By Staff Report, posted Apr 1, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

The First-Place Judges' Choice Category winners, the "Microgravity Muscle Makers: Theraputty in Space" team from Warrenwood Elementary School (WES), take a photo with N.C. Senator Val Applewhite, CCS Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy, WES Principal Kanisha Jones and Capt. Tony Antonelli. Photo provided by CCS.

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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