Larchmont Charter Students Place Third In Problem Solving Contest

HOLLYWOOD, CA — A local middle school recently earned third place in a national classroom competition that challenged students to solve society's most pressing problems. Larchmont Charter school placed third place in the "Solve Together: Tomorrow's Leaders Tackling Today's Challenges" contest, sponsored by the nonprofit American Student Assistance.

A team of seventh graders from Larchmont Charter School presented a plan to address climate change by focusing on energy sources such as wind turbines, hydrokinetic energy and solar panels. Middle school teacher Hannah Choi from Larchmont Charter School received the $1,000 ASA Solve Together Educator Award, for her work in teaching students about the economic ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic.

“As soon as I announced this opportunity, my students displayed a level of excitement and interest I haven’t seen before,” said Hannah Choi, seventh grade Math teacher, Larchmont Charter School. “Students worked countless hours to work together as a team to problem solve, and I’m so proud of all the effort that went in. Hopefully, this introduced them to a new career field they would’ve never considered, and I’m confident these creative thinkers will change the world for the better!”

A team of seventh graders known as the "Galactic Girls" from Plouffe Academy in Brockton, Massachusetts, took home first place after creating blueprints of hydroponic farms to sustain life on Mars.

New Hyde Park Road School in New Hyde Park, New York, placed second in the contest. Calling themselves the "Futuristic Illusionists," the team also worked on finding ways to sustain a colony of life on Mars, and submitted a website, game and video offering solutions to the various challenges.

“Students from all backgrounds crave learning that feels relevant to their daily lives. Providing equitable access to project-based learning and career exploration opportunities is critical in enabling educators and schools to prepare students for longterm success,” said ASA President and CEO Jean Eddy. “All of the student-led projects submitted to Solve Together were thoughtfully designed, and we commend the many educators across the country who provided strong guidance and instruction to these students throughout the entire process. While we are only presenting three teams with awards this year, all student participants are winners as they acquired important career skills that will serve them well into the future.”