In a remarkable display of creativity and teamwork, a trio of students from Beaty-Warren Middle School has emerged victorious in the Pennsylvania Scholastic eSports League Regional Minecraft Education Build Challenge. The team, aptly named Earth’s Green Team, secured first place at the elementary level, paving their way to the upcoming state championship.
Advancing to the State Championship
Comprising Bo Winkels, Patrick Ferrie, and Grayson Zapel, Earth’s Green Team showcased their innovative approach to sustainable agriculture by designing a Minecraft-based solution aimed at addressing food security and community support. Their regional triumph not only highlights their skills but also qualifies them for the PSEL State Championship, set to take place on February 6 in Lancaster at the Just Press Play Mega Store.
Reflecting on their swift journey from project submission to state qualification, Grayson Zapel expressed his astonishment: “I felt astonished at how fast it went from submitting our project to hearing that we made it to states. I expect it to be really challenging but a lot of fun.” His teammate, Patrick Ferrie, echoed this sentiment, sharing his mixed feelings of nerves and excitement: “I’m nervous about going to states but also extremely excited!”
The Challenge of Sustainable Agriculture
The Build Challenge, titled “Building Pennsylvania’s Future Through Sustainable Agriculture,” tasked students with creating a farm in Minecraft capable of feeding and supporting a community. This initiative aligns with Governor Josh Shapiro’s economic development priorities, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in ensuring food security, health, and sustainability.
Participants were required to cultivate crops, raise animals, and integrate essential features such as water channels and fencing, all while ensuring their farms were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. According to team advisor Meggi Brown, the students surpassed expectations with their project. “Grayson, Bo, and Patrick designed an impressive Minecraft farm featuring futuristic farming techniques, perfectly meeting the challenge requirements,” she noted. “They also did a great job working together as a team and put together a wonderful video presentation for the judges.”
A Collaborative Effort
The initial round of the competition was conducted virtually, allowing teams to collaborate asynchronously from November 10 through December 19. This format enabled students to work flexibly during school hours and beyond, with the necessary approvals from teachers and administrators. The competition saw participation from hundreds of teams across the state.
As the State Championship approaches, regional winners from elementary, middle, and high school divisions will gather in person to tackle a brand-new challenge. On February 6, the students will have two hours to strategize and construct a Minecraft Education world that addresses this challenge, with their efforts evaluated using the same criteria as in the regional round.
