WALDORF, Md. — A team of fourth graders from William A. Diggs Elementary School captured the top prize in underwater robotics at the annual Charles County Public Schools History, Industry, Technology and Science Expo.
The Diggs Stingrays earned Best Overall honors during the SeaPerch competition held March 21 at St. Charles High School. The victory sends the team to the International SeaPerch Challenge on May 30 at the University of Maryland, College Park.
The Stingrays consist of Christian Turner, Levi Moise and Jhett Jovich. Coaches Traci Davis, a kindergarten teacher, Erica Bliss, a fifth-grade teacher, and Michael Johnson, a science teacher, guided the group through design, construction and testing of their remotely operated underwater vehicle.
SeaPerch Robotics lets students build and race underwater machines while learning engineering, problem-solving and marine science. The Office of Naval Research sponsors the program to prepare future naval architects, ocean explorers and environmental researchers. Judges score teams on vehicle performance in an obstacle course and the quality of a technical research paper.
The HITS Expo brings together history, industry, technology and science projects from elementary through high school students across Charles County. The free public event features hands-on activities, demonstrations and competitions that spotlight student creativity and STEM skills.
Diggs Elementary teams delivered strong showings in both categories. In the Technical Report division, Davis Lords of the Seas from Theodore G. Davis Middle School placed first. The team includes eighth graders Christian Addison and Kie Myers plus sixth grader Yadan Tamrat. Science teacher Jennifer Norris coached them with help from community volunteers Dave Fuller and Bryan Kilikewich.
Diggs Seawavers took second. Members are fourth graders Mason Lin, Dylan Mitchell and Daniella Moore. Davis, Bliss and Johnson coached them. Diggs Sea Slugs finished third with fifth graders Nia Hunter, Lark Swinson and Khaleesi Claudio under the same coaches.
In the Obstacle Course, the Diggs Stingrays placed first. Somers MinoMaid from Milton M. Somers Middle School earned second. That group features seventh grader Madelynn Barry, sixth grader Colin Liston and eighth graders Samantha D’Ambrosio and Isaiah Wright. Science teacher Michelle Darty and math teacher Traci Parham coached them. Diggs Thunder Submarines took third with fifth graders Alan Garcia, Kenton Valentine and Zian Matthew Flores, again coached by Davis, Bliss and Johnson.
Teams from J.C. Parks Elementary School, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, Matthew Henson Middle School, Theodore G. Davis Middle School and St. Charles High School also competed. The results highlight the depth of robotics talent at Diggs Elementary, where multiple groups reached the podium.
The program connects classroom learning to real-world applications. Students gain experience with remote operation, buoyancy, propulsion and data collection while exploring ocean health and marine resources. Southern Maryland’s location near major waterways makes the hands-on focus especially relevant for local students.
Charles County Public Schools uses events like the HITS Expo to foster early interest in science, technology, engineering and math. The annual gathering gives young learners a stage to showcase projects and build confidence through competition.
The Diggs Stingrays now prepare for the international stage. At the University of Maryland, they will face top SeaPerch teams from across the United States and beyond. The May 30 event offers a chance to demonstrate skills against the best young engineers in the program.
This success continues the school’s record of excellence in SeaPerch. Local educators and volunteers invest time to equip students with tools for future careers in naval research, engineering and environmental science.
The Charles County achievement underscores the strength of public school STEM initiatives in Southern Maryland. Students leave the HITS Expo not only with trophies but with practical experience that could shape regional innovation for years to come.
