Two Kathryn Newport teams win engineering awards

Team Solar Storm members pose with their first-place entry.

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Kathryn Newport Middle School (KNMS) is celebrating an unprecedented achievement after its student teams secured both first and second place in the highly competitive 2025 University of California, Riverside Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Roller Coaster Challenge.

The competition featured over 170 submissions from middle schools across Riverside County and Southern California. The grand prize for both winning teams is a trip to the prestigious Disney Imagineering Campus to meet the creators who design and build Disney rides, followed by a Park Hopper day at Disneyland, scheduled for December.

The winning students are:

1st Place (Team Solar Storm): Claire M., Tegan P., Emily S., and Fenix S.

2nd Place (Team Lilo & Stitch): Isabella D., Nia E., Nadine M., and Talia W.

Rules of the competition were simple but specific.

“Students will design and build a roller coaster model of their own design, using any disposable material(s) that transports a standard glass marble a defined distance (determined by the students) from a defined beginning of the track (where marble is released) to a defined end (where marble stops),” stated the MESA rules. In addition to a standard glass marble, the project could include miscellaneous disposable materials (foam pipe insulation, pool noodles, pvc pipe, cardboard, manila folders, etc.)

KNMS recognized this accomplishment as a profound reflection of the students’ hard work and the power of the MESA program.

“At Kathryn Newport Middle School, we take great pride in the way our students engage with learning, explore their potential, and push themselves to new heights,” said principal Jon Mitchem. “Our commitment to providing a high-quality STEM education is seen most clearly through our MESA program.

“MESA means belonging to a team that values curiosity and excellence, and it reflects the pride we have in showcasing the talents of our school community. This accomplishment reflects our commitment to equity, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, can access experiences that prepare them for high-demand fields.”

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root commented that “this incredible success by our Kathryn Newport students demonstrates the amazing project-based learning taking place in our MESA program. Seeing our students apply real-world science and engineering skills to earn the top two spots in such a major regional competition confirms that we are preparing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. We are immensely proud of them and of all of the hard work and passion that Ms. Wood puts into this project.”

Board President J. Kyle Root added that “the Board is thrilled to celebrate these Mustangs and their groundbreaking achievement. This dual victory highlights the value of investing in high-quality STEM pathways that inspire creativity and excellence, ensuring our students have the competitive edge needed for high-demand careers. Their trip to Disney Imagineering is a well-deserved recognition of their dedication.”

MESA Advisor Jessica Wood was instrumental in leading the teams to success.

“Leading the students in this competition was such a fun and inspiring experience,” she said. “They dove right in, using physics, engineering, and reactivity to design unique roller coasters with imaginative stories and videos. Watching their teamwork, problem-solving, and excitement grow throughout the process was incredible.”

The students themselves shared their pride in the rigorous competition and the joy of collaboration. Tegan P., a member of the winning Solar Storm team, expressed the excitement of the challenge.

“We knew the competition was tough, but focusing on the physics and working together to overcome every building challenge made the win feel completely earned,” Tegan said. “The Disney trip is just the perfect reward for our whole team.”

Nadine M., from the second-place Lilo & Stitch Team, reflected on the process as well.

“Participating in and building our marble roller coaster out of paper was a long, challenging process; however, it was nonetheless one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had!” she said. “I had a blast collaborating with my teammates to bring our captivating ideas and creative dreams to life. I couldn’t be more ecstatic to be a finalist for the MESA Roller Coaster Competition.”

Team Lilo & Stitch members pose with their second-place entry.