This year, six students proudly represented Hanover Public School District at the STEM Racing Regional Competition as Team Vortex, competing in the United States Professional Class: Eastern Region. Facing a highly competitive field of teams from across the region, Team Vortex finished 11th overall, marking an important milestone for both the students and the district’s growing STEM Racing program. STEM Racing is a rigorous, project-based competition that challenges students to operate like a professional motorsports team. Students are responsible not only for designing and building a miniature Formula-style race car, but also for managing branding, marketing, portfolio documentation, and formal presentations. Throughout the season, Team Vortex collaborated closely, balancing technical problem-solving with creativity, communication, and teamwork.
Preparing for regionals required students to apply real-world engineering and design principles while meeting strict deadlines and competition specifications. Team members worked through design decisions, testing, and revisions, learning how small changes can have a major impact on performance. At the same time, students developed enterprise materials and practiced presenting their work, building confidence and professionalism.
The regional competition provided a valuable, hands-on learning experience. Students received detailed feedback across multiple categories and observed the level of skill and collaboration required at a competitive level. Participating pushed students out of their comfort zones and gave them firsthand insight into the expectations of careers in engineering, technology, and business.
Team Vortex represented our district with enthusiasm, determination, and pride throughout the event. Their 11th-place finish reflects both their hard work and their willingness to take on a challenging, real-world STEM experience. Most importantly, the students gained valuable skills in collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and resilience—skills that will benefit them well beyond the competition.
Participation in STEM Racing continues to provide students with authentic, hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. Team Vortex’s journey to regionals highlights the strength of our district’s STEM programs and the dedication of students who are willing to challenge themselves and grow through experience.
