WALDORF, Md. – The Diggs Stingrays, a SeaPerch Robotics team from William A. Diggs Elementary School, earned the title of Best Overall during the March 21 SeaPerch competition held at the annual HITS Expo held at St. Charles High School.
The Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) History, Industry, Technology and Science Expo is a history and science fair featuring activities, demonstrations and competitions for students in elementary through high school.
The Diggs Stingrays is made up of Diggs fourth graders Christian Turner, Levi Moise and Jhett Jovich. Coaches are kindergarten teacher Traci Davis, fifth-grade teacher Erica Bliss and science teacher Michael Johnson. The team advances to the May 30 International SeaPerch Challenge at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Teams from Diggs and J.C. Parks elementary schools, Benjamin Stoddert, Matthew Henson, Milton M. Somers and Theodore G. Davis middle schools, and St. Charles competed.
The following teams placed first through third at the competition.
Technical Report
- Davis Lords of the Seas, Davis, first place.
- The team is made up of members: eighth graders Christian Addison and Kie Myers and sixth grader Yadan Tamrat. The team is coached by science teacher Jennifer Norris, and community volunteers Dave Fuller and Bryan Kilikewich.
- Diggs Seawavers, Diggs, second place.
- Team members are fourth graders Mason Lin, Dylan Mitchell and Daniella Moore. Coaches of the Seawavers are Davis, Bliss and Johnson.
- Diggs Sea Slugs, Diggs, third place.
- Team members are fifth graders Nia Hunter, Lark Swinson, and Khaleesi Claudio. The team is coached by Davis, Bliss and Johnson.
Obstacle Course
- Diggs Stingrays, Diggs, first place.
- Team members are Turner, Moise and Jovich. Coaches for the team are Davis, Bliss and Johnson.
- Somers MinoMaid, Somers, second place.
- Team members are seventh grader Madelynn Barry, sixth grader Colin Liston and eighth graders Samantha D’Ambrosio and Isaiah Wright. Coaches for the team are science teacher Michelle Darty, and math teacher Traci Parham.
- Diggs Thunder Submarines, Diggs, third place.
- The team is made up of fifth graders Alan Garcia, Kenton Valentine and Zian Matthew Flores. Coaches for the team are Davis, Bliss and Johnson.
SeaPerch Robotics allows students to design, build and race an underwater vehicle that is remotely operated. Ocean researchers and explorers use technology like robotics to study marine resources and environmental health of the ocean.
Teams are evaluated on vehicle performance and the quality of the team’s technical research paper. The program is offered by the Office of Naval Research with hopes of preparing the next generation of naval architects.
For more information about the SeaPerch program, visit https://seaperch.org/.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 39 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices.
For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814.
For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).