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NEWS | May 15, 2025

NSWC Dahlgren Division builds next generation of STEM professionals at first Triad event

By Jennifer Erickson NSWCDD Corporate Communications

Spike LEGO robots emulating unmanned systems navigating a logistics mission at sea. Students rushing to a monitor to answer the first question in a Capture-the-flag competition using Artificial Intelligence tools. Brightly colored 3D-printed ship hulls stretched across the table ready for the warfight.

This was the scene in Exhibit Hall B at the Fredericksburg Convention Center May 15 where more than 150 students and educators from 15 middle and high schools gathered for the first Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) STEM Triad.

After a day of Robotics, Additive Manufacturing and Cybersecurity competitions happening simultaneously, the winners were announced for both middle and high school in each challenge. Winners were awarded 3D printers, drones and classroom STEM kits.

The winners are:
Additive Manufacturing: Middle School
1st place: T. Benton Gayle Middle School
2nd place: King George Middle School
3rd place: Freedom Middle School

Additive Manufacturing: High School
1st place: Spotsylvania High School
2nd place: Fredericksburg Academy
3rd place: Academy of Technology and Innovation

Cybersecurity: Middle School
1st place: Thornburg Middle School
2nd place: T. Benton Gayle Middle School
3rd place: Post Oak Middle School

Cybersecurity: High School
1st place: Spotsylvania High School
2nd place: Fredericksburg Christian School
3rd place: Courtland High School 

Robotics: Middle School
1st place: A.G. Wright Middle School
2nd place: T. Benton Gayle Middle School
3rd place: King George Middle School

Robotics: High School
1st place: Academy of Technology and Innovation
2nd place: Courtland High School
3rd place: Fredericksburg Christian School

Team Awards
Team Spirit Award:
Quantico Middle School
Ingenuity Award: Chancellor High School
Collaboration Award: Post Oak Middle School

Miranda Wolfe, 9th grader at the Academy of Technology and Innovation, said she applied skills including public speaking, organization and delegating to the day’s competitions. The aspiring information technology specialist said, “I’m very proud of our robotics team.” She had competed in the High School Innovation Challenge @Dahlgren in March. “I think the first competition we did in the year really helped us gain experience and helped us win.”