Catch Maricopa Tweens Shine at Future City State Championships!

Middle school students from Maricopa have showcased remarkable creativity and dedication as they competed in the Regional Future City Competition held at Casteel High School on January 18. Over the past four months, students from Maricopa Wells and Desert Wind Middle Schools put in extensive hours, utilizing materials such as spray paint and plywood to bring their futuristic city designs to life.

These efforts culminated in a successful day for Maricopa competitors, who secured eight awards, including two top five placements in the state. The competition encourages participants to conceptualize self-sustaining cities that tackle pressing issues like housing shortages and climate change. This year, innovative designs included a floating city with a focus on the health and safety of its residents.

Students from Desert Wind, including Josalyn Morgan and Aidan Murguia, earned third place with their city concept, Aotearoa. Their presentation featured a unique role-play, with one member donning a neon construction helmet and vest to enhance their pitch.

Another team from Desert Wind, consisting of Ada Garnett and Emerson Baker, received the Award of Distinction. This accolade honors teams that exemplify outstanding performance throughout the competition. Additionally, the Maselan group from Desert Wind claimed the best project plan award, while Rachel Unverferth was honored with the Rosie Hoff Award for being the fiercest female competitor.

From Maricopa Wells, Mya Bitter and her team secured fifth place with their project, Alam, inspired by the musical “Wicked.” Alongside Alam, another project titled Istanbul, led by Paityn Bowlin, received the Best Team Leadership Award. Eddie Polosky contributed to the event’s spirit, earning the Everett Greenli Award for sportsmanship.

Impressively, the Amsterdam team, comprising Myles Armstrong and Joslyn Miller, secured the award for best presentation. Reflecting on their experiences, Miller noted that the competition offers practical insights into engineering, planning, and the complexities involved in urban design. “This brings you more into reality as a middle schooler than just doing regular projects,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of real-world skills.

As these students look toward their future careers, they acknowledge the invaluable lessons learned through participation. Armstrong expressed that the experience will undoubtedly aid him as he contemplates becoming an engineer or an actor. Ultimately, the Future City Competition not only promotes innovation but also equips young minds with skills necessary for the challenges of tomorrow.