UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Program Earns 1st Place Overall at Statewide STEM Day Competition

The UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Program proudly represented UNC Charlotte at the annual statewide STEM Day competition hosted by Winston-Salem State University on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The highly anticipated event brought together approximately 40 student competitors from each participating Pre-College Program site, including North Carolina State University, Elizabeth City State University, Winston-Salem State University, and UNC Charlotte.

Students competed in both middle and high school divisions across a rigorous slate of STEM-focused events, including Engineering and Design, Oratorical, Parachute Egg Drop, Poster Art, Quiz Bowl, and Write It, Do It. Through technical excellence, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, UNC Charlotte students delivered outstanding performances throughout the day—ultimately securing 1st Place Overall in the statewide competition.

Foot Locker Design Challenge Highlights Innovation and Creativity

The day began with an engaging keynote session led by a professional shoe designer from Foot Locker. During the session, students were introduced to the fundamentals of the product design process and challenged to apply those concepts through a hands-on activity focused on athletic shoe innovation.

Participants developed original shoe concepts, completed guided design worksheets, and brought their ideas to life by implementing their designs on 3D-printed shoe models. The experience provided students with valuable exposure to design thinking, creativity, and applied engineering principles. Top student designs were recognized with a unique incentive—custom tennis shoes of the students’ choosing from Foot Locker.

Following a working lunch centered on their design projects, students transitioned into the afternoon competition events. The day concluded with an energetic awards ceremony that resembled a spirited pep rally, as students from all participating institutions celebrated achievements and demonstrated tremendous school pride.

UNC Charlotte Student Award Recipients

The UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Program congratulates the following students who earned 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place honors in their respective events.

Middle School Engineering and Design

2nd Place

  • Jewel Scotland (Randolph Middle School)
  • Sanvi Mishra (Community House Middle School)

1st Place

  • Rishya Bandi (Harris Road Middle School)
  • Vidisha Vashishth (Harris Road Middle School)

High School Engineering and Design

2nd Place

  • Baker Lewis (The Fletcher School)
  • Matthan Mapfaza (Bradford Preparatory School)

3rd Place

  • Haritha Penmatsa (Northwest Cabarrus High School)
  • Kristina Nagorny (Socrates Academy)

Oratorical Competition

Middle School — 1st Place

  • Shraddha Swamynathan (Cuthbertson Middle School)

High School — 3rd Place

  • Julia Williams (Central Piedmont Early College)

Parachute Egg Drop

Middle School — 2nd Place

  • Ruthvik Erni (Hickory Ridge Middle School)
  • Shravan Srinivasan (Hickory Ridge Middle School)

High School — 2nd Place Tie

  • Jia Patel (Ardrey Kell High School)
  • Chahat Anand (Ardrey Kell High School)

High School — 2nd Place Tie

  • Anwita Vallabhaneni (William Hough High School)
  • Adriel Apau-Kese (Mountain Island Charter School)

Poster Art

Middle School — 1st Place

  • Annaleigh Jaigopaul (Roberta Road Middle School)
  • Maisy Boafo (Hickory Ridge Middle School)
  • Twisha Palavali (Hickory Ridge Middle School)

High School — 2nd Place

  • Sophia Koleva (Weddington High School)
  • Sophie Watson (Central Academy of Technology and Arts)
  • Architha Balaji (Providence High School)

Quiz Bowl

High School — 3rd Place

  • Vishwa Arunkumar (Ardrey Kell High School)
  • Corinne Staples (John Taylor Williams Secondary Montessori)
  • Krish Konda (Weddington High School)
  • Shresta Bethi (Ardrey Kell High School)

Write It, Do It

Middle School — 1st Place

  • Rishab Sridhar (Lake Norman Charter Middle School)
  • Brent Belton (Piedmont Middle School)

Middle School — 2nd Place

  • Akash Eggers (Bailey Middle School)
  • Quincy Petty (Providence Day School)

The UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Program extends its sincere congratulations to all participating students for their exceptional performance, professionalism, and representation throughout the competition. Special appreciation is also extended to Winston-Salem State University for hosting a well-organized and impactful event that continues to inspire excellence, innovation, and collaboration in STEM education across North Carolina.