Phipps Stories
Fairchild Challenge #4 Winners Announced!
High School
In Challenge 4: Designs for Justice, students stepped into the roles of engineers and changemakers to address environmental justice issues such as pollution, water access, climate hazards, and waste. They were tasked with designing an original solution—ranging from a product to a system or tool—then bringing their ideas to life through a visual representation like a sketch, prototype, or 3D model, along with a two-page essay explaining how their innovation works and the impact it could have.
The creativity and thoughtful problem-solving demonstrated by all participants were truly inspiring. Thank you to everyone who took part in this challenge, and congratulations to our winners for their outstanding and innovative work!
And the High School winners are...
First Place: West Mifflin Area High School: Ben Kozar
Second Place: Shaler Area High School: Grace Helbling
Third Place: Gateway High School: Piper Munyon
Special Merit: Penn-Trafford High School: Caitlin Dolhi, Amy Maust, Elena Southern
Middle School
In Challenge 4: Through Nature's Eyes, students explored the world beyond their own perspectives, creating imaginative stories, poems, and illustrations inspired by animals, plants, and natural forces. Their work revealed thoughtful insights, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the details humans often overlook. Each piece reflected a unique voice and vision, brought to life through both writing and art.
We’re proud of everyone who participated and grateful for the effort and originality you shared. Congratulations to our selected winners—your work stood out for its depth and creativity, and this recognition is well deserved. We hope all participants feel encouraged to keep creating and continue sharing their perspectives with the world.
Challenge 4 Middle School Winners are...
First Place (3-way tie): Fort Cherry Jr. High School: Bailey Tapper, Morgan Cornali, and Violet Pfeifer (in order top to bottom)
Second Place: Carson Middle School: Ira Vyawahare
Third Place: Beaver Area Middle School: Austyn Gallaway
Special Merit: Delahunty Middle School: Evalina Malenky, Grace Grabowski
Elementary School
Students brought incredible thoughtfulness and creativity to this challenge by honoring the people who make a positive impact in their lives. Through vibrant drawings and meaningful essays, they showcased individuals who lead with kindness, courage, and generosity. They captured both who these people are and the difference they make every day. The projects reflected not only strong artistic effort, but also genuine appreciation.
We’re grateful to every student who participated and shared such personal reflections and would like to highlight works the judges really loved. We hope this experience encourages all participants to continue recognizing everyday inspiration and to carry those lessons forward in their own actions.
Challenge C Elementary Highlights! :
Gateway Elementary (University Park): Brannigan Flynn
Central Elementary School: Madison Goodwin
Hermitage School District Ionta Elementary: Donte Linn
We would like to give a special shout out to panelists: Jen Schnakenberg (PPC), Hannah Fierle (PCCR), Phyllis Cain (Phipps Volunteer), Emily Stedge (Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media), Paige Kizior (Women for a Healthy Environment), Samantha Chan (Pitt Office of Sustainability), Rosemary Wang (Phipps Extern), Teresa Mole (Phipps Extern). Thank you for lending us your time and expertise!
Have questions? Contact Alyssa Mulé at amule@phipps.conservatory.org, 412/622-6915, ext. 3905.
Developed by the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, Fl., and adopted by Phipps as a satellite partner in 2008, The Fairchild Challenge offers a menu of interdisciplinary challenges for grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12, attracting students of diverse interests, abilities, talents and backgrounds. The Challenge empowers young people to engage in civic life and encourages them to become energetic and knowledgeable members of their communities.
