Garden City Middle Schooler Finalist In Prestigious Science Competition

Austin Crouchley, a student at Garden City Middle School, was recently named one of 30 finalists in the nationwide Broadcom MASTERS, a prestigious science, technology, engineering and math competition for middle schoolers.

Crouchly was selected from a record pool of 2,499 applicants in 37 states. He and other finalists will travel to Washington, D.C. in October to compete for a top prize of $25,000, as well as many other awards.

His project focused on using solar power to pump water into areas that are off the grid. He learned that having the solar panels rotate as the sun moves across the sky increases the amount of power they can generate. However, commercial devices cost $200. So Crouchly created his own tracking system, which pumped 16 percent more water than a system without it.

"These talented young scientists, mathematicians and engineers, whose projects range from computer science and mechanical engineering to microbiology and sustainability, are part of the generation that will solve the grand challenges we face today," said Paula Golden, president of the Broadcom Foundation. "For many of our finalists, their first spark of curiosity was struck by a dedicated teacher, parent or friend who took the time to ignite their personal passion."

As a finalist, Crouchly has already won a $500 cash award, and his trip to Washingtong is fully paid for. There, in addition to the $25,000 top prize, he will be competing for other prizes valuing $20,000, $10,000, $7,500 and more. In addition, Broadcom is awarding his science teacher with a one-year classroom subscription to "Science Newsmagazine," and Garden City Middle School will get $1,000 to use toward STEM activities.

Photo: Broadcom MASTERS