The Texas Alliance for Minority in Engineering hosted its final state STEM competition April 8 in San Antonio. Senior Cathy Nguyen placed first, junior Vinh Ton placed second, sophomore Kevin Qi placed third, and junior Sumin Son placed fourth in their respective grade level math and science tests.

“I’m kind of shocked because I was invited last minute,” Nguyen said. “We shouldn’t underestimate ourselves because at competition, anything is possible.”

Nguyen, Son and Qi were alternates after placing in the regional TAME Capital Area 1 competition. They received invitations a week before the state competition.

“I was disappointed how UIL and TAME were on the same day,” Ton said. “I chose TAME because it would be their last state competition.”

Ton, who attended TAME regional and state in 2016 and 2017, decided to attend the TAME state competition. Unlike the UIL competition, TAME State includes an engineering design challenge, recreation, and free giveaways along with the traditional math and science exam.

After students took the math and science exam, competitors were assigned to teams for the engineering design challenge.

“It’s important to find joy in all parts of life including in learning and competition,” Ton said. “It was a good end.”

This year’s challenge involved constructing a wind turbine with the least amount of material. After the turbines were placed in front of a fan, a voltmeter determined the amount of energy generated. Judges rewarded teams with points for the energy generated, the material conserved, creativity, and teamwork.  

“I’m sad how it’s the last state competition,” Qi said. “It was an honor to be surrounded by upperclassmen for the whole day.”