Isbell Middle School Sixth Graders Headed For Nationals
May 23, 2012
Santa Paula News
On Saturday, May 12, 2012, Carlos Gomez, Carson Gray, Tobin Fincher and Nathan Rabago made Isbell history. The sixth graders from Isbell Middle School, on a team called the “Pop Flies,” competed in the MESA Wind Energy Challenge - State Finals - held at UCSB, and nearly swept the competition. The boys chose the name “Pop Flies” because they are all players in the Majors Division of Santa Paula Little League.
Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) is nationally recognized for its innovative and effective academic development program that engages students to excel in math and science and pursue a degree in math, engineering, or other science-related field. UCSB is the supporting university for the MESA program at Isbell Middle School.
This year, the national engineering competition is wind energy. The Wind Energy Challenge event involves students designing, building, and competing with a wind device which must transfer energy from the wind source to defined tasks.
The Pop Flies previously won 1st place at the Regional Competition in order to compete in the State finals, where they earned the privilege of representing the Central Region of California. At the State Finals, the Pop Flies competed against teams (comprised of primarily 8th graders) from the Southern Region, Northern Region and Los Angeles Metro Region. The Pop Flies dominated, placing 1st in four out of five categories - Technical Paper, Oral Presentation, Academic Display and Tasks (Mechanical Power and Wind to Vehicle Transfer). They placed 2nd in the category of Design Efficiency.
Their excellent performance earned them the honor of representing California in the National Competition, to be held in Seattle, Washington, June 22-24, where they will compete against teams from eight other states. The Pop Flies could not have done it without the dedication, guidance and mentoring of Isbell MESA advisors Cari Leidig and Diana Georghiou, as well as Bob Leidig.
Pictured (left to right): MESA Advisor Cari Leidig, MESA Advisor Diana Georghiou, Carlos Gomez, Nathan Rabago, Tobin Fincher, Carson Gray, SPESD Superintendent Paul Chounet.
