Ambassador Christian Academy Excels at International STEM Competition

Wall Township, NJ – Thirteen high school students from Ambassador Christian Academy traveled to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, last week to compete in the ACSI International Christian STEM Competition (ICSC), hosted by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Under the leadership of Kevin Bals, STEM Supervisor at Ambassador Christian Academy, and Daria Huber, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, the students achieved outstanding results.

Ambassador Christian Academy proudly competed in three out of the five available categories with the following teams:

Innovation in Service
Team Name: Scam Stoppers
This team designed, tested, and launched a powerful cybersecurity campaign to equip students, families, and staff with essential skills to manage their digital footprints and protect their privacy from online threats.
Team Members:

• Amalia Serenelli (Captain)
• Lizzy Marsango
• Luke Rosenberger
• Jack Weaver
• Ben Weckesser

Ethical Artificial Intelligence
Team Name: Logos AI
This team designed, planned, built, and tested a ChatBot for teens utilizing Artificial Intelligence, grounded in biblical scripture and research-based digital well-being practices.
Team Members:

• Deborah DaSilva (Captain)
• Allen Henderson
• Isaac Lipp
• Nathan Peasland

Aerospace - Freefall Helicopter
Team Name: Freedom Falling
This team designed, built, and released a freefall aircraft, utilizing a remote trigger from approximately six feet high, aiming to maximize airtime and precision landing on a target.
Team Members:

• Ellie Zakhary (Captain)
• Caleb Espinosa
• Ashton Ashley
• Luke Bischoff

Team Awards Earned:

• 1st Place – Innovation in Service: Social Engineering Challenge (Scam Stoppers)
• 2nd Place – Ethical Artificial Intelligence ChatBot (Logos AI)
• 6th Place – Aerospace Design (Freedom Falling)
• 2nd Place – Engineering Design Notebook (Scam Stoppers)
• 4th Place – Engineering Design Notebook (Freedom Falling)

Additional awards included:

• Advisor’s Award: Amalia Serenelli and Ellie Zakhary
• ACSI Student Leadership Award: Amalia Serenelli
• Judge’s Choice Award: Scam Stoppers

Ambassador Christian Academy is honored to celebrate these students’ achievements, showcasing excellence in STEM innovation and leadership rooted in a Christian worldview.
For more information about Ambassador Christian Academy and its STEM programs, please contact Kevin Bals, STEM Supervisor, kbals@ambassadornj.org or (732) 341-0860.