Zhoie Calado, 2024 Texas cohort

It began with a plant problem and a prototype. When nine-year-old Zhoie Calado noticed that her mother Marie’s seedlings kept spilling over, she designed an ingenious 3D-printed plant holder to keep them upright.

Steve Milenkiy, 2024 Texas cohort

Most elementary schoolers only imagine what middle school might be like. Nine-year-old Steve Milenkiy doesn’t have to guess – he’s already taking classes there.

Holden Dunlap, 2024 Texas cohort

Holden recently acted and sang in a local performance of Matilda, put on by Houston non-profit Theatre Under The Stars. Based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl, the musical tells the story of Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with astonishing intelligence and abilities who succeeds with the help of a fierce advocate, her teacher Miss Honey. 

Sebastian Valdez, 2024 Texas cohort

Sebastian Valdez loves space, but says he’ll never be an astronaut. It’s his fear of heights, he explains. “Space is too high.” But that’s ok. It doesn’t stop him from exploring NASA-related science – especially when it pertains to other interests like circuits, robotics, or chemistry.

Derek Mendez, 2023 pilot cohort

At just nine years old, Derek is already learning math at a seventh-grade level and dreaming up fire-spewing robots. A fourth grader from Kissimmee, Florida, he skipped second grade and continues to accelerate in math, thanks to a powerful combination of personal drive, a supportive family, and (of course) the guidance and resources he gets from National Math Stars.

Emiliana Lofat, 2024 Texas cohort

When Emiliana Lofat’s third-grade teacher pulled her aside to talk about her MAP test scores, she assumed it would be a one-time award. Maybe a certificate, a handshake, a “good job.” What she didn’t expect was to be invited into a whole new world.