WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg-James City County Schools recently announced that the J. Blaine Blayton Elementary Engineering Team won the World KidWind Challenge championship in Phoenix, Arizona May 18-21.
According to the school district, the multi-part competition included a turbine challenge, presentation of their turbine design to a panel of judges and instant challenges and quizzes. Through competition, KidWind helps teachers and students explore science, technology and renewable energy.
The team earned its spot in the world championships after qualifying through the Virginia state competition, where they placed second.
The J. Blaine Blayton team, known as The Honey Whirlers, a take on the school’s bee mascot, competed against teams from across the country and as far away as Ireland and Taiwan. The J. Blaine Blayton Elementary Engineering team was named one of three World Championship teams.
Team participants include Coach Jennifer Kimbrough, technology teacher and team sponsor, fifth graders Tommy Biggins, Joseph Collins, Grant Cummings, Barclay Ndubi, Evan McCartney, and Coach Kyle Debrucque, J. Blaine Blayton Volunteer of the Year.
“I am so proud of our Engineering Club students and their coaches! They spent countless early mornings before school designing, testing, and modifying their wind turbines. They studied renewable energy, practiced their presentation skills, and continued refining their turbine to increase its performance. The skills they developed will serve these students well into the future,” said Kristin Schweitzer, J. Blaine Blayton principal.
The KidWind Challenge is a nationwide program encouraging students to explore renewable energy through hands-on design and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning. The competition fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application of science and engineering concepts.
“This is such a proud moment for our school,” said Jennifer Kimbrough, J. Blaine Blayton Elementary School technology teacher and KidWind coach. “These students have learned to test, analyze, redesign, and communicate their ideas. It’s been exciting to watch their dedication and growth.”