Pine Crest Middle School students Ariana Khatchikian and Catarina Fetzner win top honors in the What If Challenge for creative design

Pine Crest, Florida – Two Pine Crest Middle School students have been recognized for their innovative thinking and creative design skills, earning top honors in the “What If” Challenge sponsored by The Center for Arts and Innovation in Boca Raton. Ariana Khatchikian ’30 and Catarina Fetzner ’31 were singled out from a pool of 200 participants for their outstanding submissions, demonstrating originality, functionality, and a thoughtful approach to the competition’s prompt.

The “What If” Challenge invited students to envision and design creative spaces that foster innovation and learning. All three sections of Pine Crest’s Competitive Engineering classes participated, showcasing the school’s commitment to hands-on, project-based learning that encourages students to think critically and imaginatively. The challenge not only tested technical skills but also highlighted the ability of students to consider how spaces can inspire collaboration, creativity, and exploration.

Ariana Khatchikian’s design earned the top award in her age category, a recognition of her unique vision and imaginative approach. Her project stood out for its ability to combine practical design elements with forward-thinking concepts, illustrating the potential for innovative learning environments that support student engagement and discovery.

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Catarina Fetzner was also honored for her work and has been selected to serve as a Junior Board Member for The Center for Arts and Innovation. In this role, she will support The Center’s initiatives to connect with young learners across the community and inspire others to explore creative and innovative thinking.

“Congratulations to Ariana, Catarina and all participants for representing Pine Crest with innovation and excellence!” school officials said. The recognition not only celebrates individual achievement but also highlights the school’s broader dedication to nurturing creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking among students at all grade levels.

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By participating in competitions like the “What If” Challenge, Pine Crest students gain valuable experience in presenting their ideas, collaborating with peers, and engaging with professional organizations. These opportunities encourage a mindset of curiosity and innovation that extends beyond the classroom, preparing students to approach challenges with creativity and confidence.

With their success in the “What If” Challenge, Ariana and Catarina exemplify the spirit of Pine Crest Middle School—combining imagination, skill, and ambition to make meaningful contributions to the world of design and innovation.