eCybermission: TMS’s Aydin Michael, Layton Taves take first place in State competition

TOMAHAWK – A team of two Tomahawk Middle School (TMS) students took first place in the state as part of a national virtual STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) competition.

Tomahawk’s Heavy Metal Pollution team, made up of Aydin Michael and Layton Taves, was named the winner of Wisconsin 6^th grade eCybermission competition.

Laurie Tracey, coach and longtime eCybermission advisor, explained that eCybermission is a competition that encourages students in grades 6 through 9 to identify and solve real-world problems in their communities through scientific inquiry and teamwork.

Tracey said more than 1,700 mission folders were submitted nationwide.

“This year, Tomahawk was strongly represented, with nine middle school teams beginning their projects in October,” Tracey stated.

Tracey said Michael and Taves focused their project on the environmental and human impacts of heavy metal pollution.

“(Heavy Metal Pollution) explored which metals pose the greatest risks and how long these substances remain in landfills, affecting animals, plants and people,” Tracey stated.

The team also collaborated with Lincoln County Solid Waste Management staff to strengthen their research.

In recognition of their achievement, Michael and Taves each received a $500.00 savings bond.

Over the past eight years, Tracey has led one eCybermission team to regionals, four to first-place finishes, one to a second-place finish and one to honorable mention.

“Tomahawk’s continued success in eCybermission highlights its commitment to empowering students through STEM education and community-focused innovation,” Tracey said.