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About 50 Táawila Elementary School students gathered at the Menifee Public Library last month for the PTA’s Future Innovators Hackathon, a hands-on event that encouraged creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving while honoring Black History Month.
Students from Transitional Kindergarten through fifth grade worked in small groups to identify problems found at home, school, or in their community and design possible solutions. The hackathon blended STEAM learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship, giving students the opportunity to share their ideas with judges and community leaders.
“We wanted students to see themselves as innovators,” said Denise Walker, PTA President at Táawila Elementary. “The goal was to create a space where kids could explore big ideas, collaborate with their peers, and realize that their creativity and curiosity can help shape the future.”
“There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a child’s imagination meets the tools of technology,” said Táawila Elementary Principal Dr. Rose Pike. “Watching our students — from our youngest TK learners to our fifth graders — transform from curious students into confident inventors was a masterclass in bravery and brilliance. This hackathon wasn’t just about innovation; it was a showcase of curiosity and courage at its finest. I couldn’t be prouder of our students’ spirit or the incredible PTA partnership that made this moment possible.”
“I had never heard of a ‘hackathon’ before so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be such a great time and a wonderful opportunity for the kids to think and create something together outside of the classroom,” said Stacy Quintero, parent of second and fifth grade students at Táawila Elementary. “Seeing them then present their ideas to a panel of judges and the other participants was very impressive. Such a unique experience for all ages.”
Another parent described the experience as inspiring
“Witnessing the students work together and build something from scratch was incredible. What stood out most was how the event encouraged curiosity and confidence. The students weren’t just following instructions; they were thinking critically, solving problems, and sharing their ideas.”
The event featured two innovation tracks designed to match students’ ages and abilities.
Little Innovators (TK–2) focused on helping younger students identify problems they wanted to solve and bring their ideas to life by building robot prototypes using cardboard, pipe cleaners, and other hands-on materials.
Future Innovators (Grades 3–5) worked in small teams to identify real-world problems, explore who was affected and why, and develop potential solutions. Using guided problem-solving worksheets and an app design template, students created working app prototypes with the support of AI tools — an impressive accomplishment for elementary students.
Students pitched their prototypes to a diverse panel of expert judges. The judging panel included Táawila Elementary Principal Dr. Rose Pike; Dr. Takiya Moore, founder of the Moore Academy; Dexter Dalupan, a systems engineer with Northrop Grumman who has contributed to space exploration projects including the James Webb Space Telescope; Evelyn McBride, representative from DAAPAC (District African American Parent Advisory Council); and dedicated educators including fifth grade teacher Vannessa Fowler, who volunteered her time to mentor students and serve as a guest judge.
Many parents and volunteers also stepped in as mentors, helping guide students as they brainstormed ideas, built prototypes, and prepared their presentations.
At the conclusion of the event, all students received personalized certificates and take-home gift bags in recognition of their participation. Teams in the Future Innovators track were also recognized with awards including Most Innovative Idea, Community Impact, and Best Teamwork.
The learning experience was co-created with Michelle Jimenez, PTA advisor and learning design specialist, who designed the student-centered framework that guided the hackathon experience and helped students confidently turn ideas into working prototypes.
Students also received encouraging video messages from community leaders and educators, including Goldin Martinez, founder of Get Focused and Goldin Brands, Táawila Assistant Principal Amanda Weden, and school counselor Michael Doty.
The event celebrated Black History Month, with posters highlighting influential Black innovators and leaders in science, technology, and entrepreneurship displayed throughout the event space.
“The hackathon was really fun, and I liked coming up with ideas with my friends,” said Olivia Robbins, a fifthh grade student at Táawila Elementary. “It was amazing to see our idea turn into a real working prototype.”
“PTA was founded on the belief that every child has potential,” Walker added. “Events like this bring that vision to life by giving students the opportunity to imagine, create, and share their ideas.”
Táawila Elementary PTA hopes to continue expanding innovation-focused programs like the Future Innovators Hackathon to give students more opportunities to explore creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving in the years ahead.
The hackathon was made possible through the dedication of volunteers, families, and community partners who gave their time and helped provide materials, snacks, prizes, and space for the student innovators.
Táawila Elementary PTA extends special thanks to the partners who supported the Future Innovators Hackathon:
— Menifee Public Library — event space and community partnership
— Raising Cane’s, Menifee — monetary and in-kind donation supporting event materials and student activities
— Texas Roadhouse, Menifee — student prize sponsorship
— Costco, Temecula — gift card donation supporting snacks and refreshments
— Menifee DAAPAC (District African American Parent Advisory Council) — community support and encouragement of student innovation
To learn more about Táawila PTA, visit www.taawilapta.org.
