A group of students from Tates Creek High School (Fayette County) won the senior division at the Future Problem Solving Program International conference June 1-5 in East Lansing, Mich. Recent graduates Miles Dunn, Gabe Garcia, Griffin Gensheimer and Bri Stanley competed against champion teams from more than 40 states and at least 10 other countries.

The teams were asked to consider the future of energy, and specifically the limitations of emerging renewable energy sources using the concept of biomimicry. The Tates Creek group focused on supplementing biomimicry development in order to better accommodate energy demand. The students proposed several solutions, including space-based solar energy, piezoelectricity plates, photovoltaic paint, nuclear fusion, predictive analytics, carbon-nanotube batteries and mobile aquatic trees. Their insights earned them the title of best high school problem-solving team in the world.

All four students participated in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Tates Creek High. They were coached by Kristina and Drew Trimble, Greshen Willis and John Hatfield, with assistance from recent IB graduates and current University of Kentucky students Alex Kowalewski, Gavin Holiday, Kylie Russ, Rachel Dixon, and Richie Simpson.

FPSPI challenges students to consider today’s emerging issues and develop the critical and creative skills necessary to promote positive futures around the world. To qualify for the international conference, teams must either win their state or country’s affiliate bowl or place high enough to qualify for an at-large bid.