Waltham students earn top honors at statewide STEM showcase

Students from Waltham Public Schools earned statewide recognition at the 2026 One8 Applied Learning Student Showcase on May 8. 

The annual showcase brings together students from across Massachusetts to present project-based work and receive feedback from professionals in fields including engineering, medicine, finance and public policy. More than 500 industry professionals reviewed projects this year. 

Teams of students submitted projects in various followed categories as established by Project Lead The Way, an American nonprofit organization that provides schools with hands-on, career-focused STEM and career and technical education curriculum. 

A McDevitt Middle School team of seventh-graders Kiley Cunningham, Jezreel Kafureeka and Valentina Tutiven won the top project award in the Gateway category for “Haley’s Tea Party Spin Game.” The project was developed in Scott Smith’s PLTW Design and Modeling class.

“The lead-up to the showcase is full of focus, chaos and determination,” Smith said. “Watching the students come together as a team led to a very successful day.”

As part of the award, the students will receive a behind-the-scenes experience at Vecna Robotics headquarters in Waltham, offering exposure to robotics and engineering careers.

At Waltham High School, senior Grace Colao and junior Nathan Dalliare earned a Project of Distinction award in the Computer Science category for “Smash Brothers Analysis,” created in Thomas Wester’s Computer Science A class.

“These recognitions reflect the creativity, collaboration and persistence our students demonstrate,” said Val Alfeo, the district’s math director. “Events like the One8 Showcase allow students to present their ideas to professionals and see themselves as problem solvers.”

The district continues to expand Project Lead The Way programming. New offerings include Medical Detectives for eighth grade and Computer Science for Innovators and Makers for sixth grade beginning in the 2027-28 school year. This expansion is part of the district’s plans to build a more comprehensive and equitable STEM pathway for students in grades six through 12.

Waltham High School students have access to a range of PLTW and advanced computer science opportunities that emphasize problem solving, collaboration, design thinking and real-world application of technical skills.

Teachers involved in PLTW programming also participate in extensive professional learning through PLTW and the One8 Applied Learning Hub, including nationally recognized training, statewide educator networks, curriculum implementation support and opportunities to connect students with authentic industry experiences. These partnerships help ensure students are engaging in rigorous, hands-on learning experiences aligned to high-demand STEM fields.