A group of Chagrin Falls Middle and High School students showcased their problem-solving skills May 14 at the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio STEM Center during the 2026 Future STEM Innovators Summit...
Students Excel at STEM
A group of Chagrin Falls Middle and High School students showcased their problem-solving skills May 14 at the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio STEM Center during the 2026 Future STEM Innovators Summit. The event challenged students from across the area to prioritize collaboration and teamwork while addressing complex, real-world issues.
Seventh-grade students Leona Bright, John Falbo, Emily Lyndall, Piper Reardon, James Simon and Benjamin Koehl, along with freshman Matilda Hessman, represented Chagrin Falls at the event.
Phase 1: The “New Island” Challenge
The day began with an Instant Design Challenge. The scenario: a brand-new island had been discovered and needed a functional infrastructure. Rather than working with classmates, students were paired with peers from other area districts to share ideas and build solutions on the fly.
Middle school teams were tasked with engineering a vehicle capable of navigating the island’s varied terrain. Leona Bright, John Falbo and Benjamin Koehl were singled out by industry experts on-site, who praised their inventive designs, creative thinking and natural collaboration with students from other schools.
High school teams were challenged to create a power grid and at least two buildings, with the grid capable of powering one or both buildings independently. Matilda Hessman’s group stood out for its engineering skills, with experts praising the team’s creative thinking and use of renewable energy sources to keep the island sustainable.
Phase 2: The Showcase
After a morning of building new civilizations, students moved into a showcase to present projects developed back at school. Using tri-fold boards, they walked industry professionals through their Engineering Design Process.
Leona Bright and John Falbo presented Santa Spin. Emily Lyndall and Piper Reardon shared Doggy Wag-On. James Simon and Benjamin Koehl showcased Replay for Kids. Freshman Matilda Hessman presented Sip Safe, her award-winning pet water bottle device and app.
Rotary Student of the Month
Chagrin Falls High School senior Anna Wardrop has been named the May Rotary Student of the Month for her leadership, academic achievement, athletic success, artistic talent and dedication to service.
Wardrop has served as a Link Leader, co-founder and co-president of the Baking Club, captain of the varsity swim team and a member of the Blood Cancer United Student Visionary Team, through which she helped raise nearly $6,000 in seven weeks to support blood cancer care, research, advocacy and education.
Her service has extended throughout the Chagrin Valley community, including weekly volunteering in a first-grade classroom at Gurney Elementary School, work with the Gurney Garden Club, summer camps, Art by the Falls and the Chagrin Valley Film Festival. Because cancer has touched her own family, the BCU work held personal meaning. “Working with BCU changed my perspective because I felt the difference I was making with each donation I got,” Wardrop said.
Academically, Wardrop has earned induction into the Cum Laude Society, AP Scholar recognition, Academic All-American honors in swimming, the College Board National Recognition Program School Recognition Award, Science Student of the Month in AP Chemistry and Tiger of the Semester. As swim team captain, she also earned All-Ohio and All-Conference honors while qualifying for the state meet.
Wardrop has also excelled in elite club gymnastics and club flag football, and has developed a passion for photography and visual arts, with work featured in the high school art show. After graduation, she will attend The Ohio State University to major in psychology and minor in photography, with plans to pursue graduate school and a career as a clinical psychologist.
