Accompanied by coach Anna Dykgraaf, the students competed in the Global Issues, Creative Writing, and Creative Storytelling divisions at the world finals, held at Indiana University in Bloomington.

While FPS is widely known for its Global Issues Problem Solving team events, the competition also includes prestigious individual categories like Creative Writing and Storytelling. To reach the internationals, students must first qualify through national rounds by creating original stories that address real-world issues using plausible scientific solutions.

At the international level, Catherine competed against 18 others in the Junior Division Creative Storytelling, earning an outstanding 4th place and a podium trophy, while Cathy competed among 40 peers in the Middle Division Creative Writing, placing an impressive 7th.

Beyond the competition, the team immersed themselves in cultural experiences, visiting the Newfields Art Museum to explore the immersive LUME exhibition on Aboriginal Australian culture, and the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, which featured an Afro-Futurist fashion display and Fireworks of Glass—a 43-foot sculpture by Dale Chihuly.

Each year, over 2400 students from around the world gather for this extraordinary event.

Congratulations to Catherine and Cathy for their creativity, dedication, and global achievement!