HABITAT CHALLENGE — Those involved with Indian Creek Middle School’s Sycamore Stars after-school program, operated by the Sycamore Youth Center and the Ohio Valley Youth Network, took part in the program’s Habitat Challenge. Students competed with local officials judging the presentations. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Students involved in the Sycamore Stars after-school program at Indian Creek Middle School competed in the Habitat Challenge — a creative, research-based competition designed to spark innovation, teamwork and problem-solving among young learners.

The Sycamore Stars after-school program is operated by the Sycamore Youth Center and the Ohio Valley Youth Network, according to Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of Sycamore and OVYN president.

The program offers a Venture Lab class, which challenges students to research and design imaginative habitats, while explaining their environmental, structural and creative elements to a panel of community judges.

Judges for the event included Tiffany Boury, Mary Sitzwohl, Faith Mason, T.C. Chapplear and Bobbyjon Bauman, as well as several special guests, including Wendy Dodds, Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District; Richard Porohnavi, owner of Seven Ranges GOAT restaurant; and pre-service teachers from the Franciscan University of Steubenville education department.

Each student presented a written component, along with a 3-D display of their project.

FIRST PLACE — Trent Norris was named the first-place finisher in the Habitat Challenge, offered through ICMS’s Sycamore Stars after-school program. The creative and research-based competition is designed to help students use problem-solving methods and realize the importance of teamwork. -- Contributed

After careful evaluation, Trent Norris was named the first-place finisher.

Faith Perkins obtained a second-place finish and Jozline Humphrey placed third.

Awards were presented based on the student’s creativity, research depth and presentation skills, Bauman noted.

Venture Lab instructors Paulette and David Woody served as the event’s organizers. The couple praised all of the students for their enthusiasm and ingenuity.

“The students worked hard and demonstrated outstanding creativity,” Paulette stated. “Their ability to connect science, design and communication was inspiring.”

Michelle Clum, site coordinator for the ICMS Sycamore Stars, oversaw the event.

Clum expressed pride in the students’ accomplishments, saying, “This program gives middle-school students hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for real-world challenges, while building confidence and teamwork.”

The Sycamore Stars program operates Monday through Friday, serving students in grades fifth through eighth at Indian Creek Middle School. The OVYN and Sycamore provides free after-school programming for more than 500 children throughout the Ohio Valley every week.

For information, visit sycamorecenter.com or contact Bauman at (740) 409-2986.