The GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) team at Clinton Middle School is being recognized for an outstanding showing in a national STEM competition.
In January, the Cardinals were named a Top 20 finalist in the Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains competition. On February 4, the team learned it had placed fourth overall and was awarded a $15,000 grant.
The Clinton Middle School team was selected from more than 700 teams nationwide after impressing judges with its project titled “Disaster Strikes.” The project featured interactive STEM exhibits designed to educate and engage students about various types of natural disasters and how science, technology, engineering, and math can be used to better understand and respond to them.
Students developed hands-on displays that demonstrated real-world applications of STEM concepts, focusing on preparedness, safety, and problem-solving during emergency situations.
The team was led by teacher Melody Raymond, who guided students through the design, development, and presentation of the project.
School officials and community members congratulated the students and their teacher on the achievement, calling the recognition a point of pride for the district and the community.
The Top-4 finish and grant award mark one of the highest national placements for a Clinton Middle School academic team, and school leaders say the funding will help support future STEM learning opportunities for students.
