Just this morning, Future Problem Solvers competed in the SLC for their third competition of the year and the state qualifier for the Waco competition in April. Students came in early before school, bringing donuts, Chick-fil-a, drinks, and other snacks for the competition. The theme for this qualifier was video games and how that could potentially cause problems in the future. Students come up with a six step problem solving process to first identify problems and lastly write an essay on how to solve one of these problems. Problem solvers participate all year in weekly classes separated by grade level and train in each of the steps to perform well for the competitions. With just one more competition in April, students are preparing and studying hard for the state meet that could potentially lead to Internationals in the summer.

Emily Glenn, a sophomore student in FPS, says “I am excited for the state competition this spring because I get to stay with my friends all weekend and explore Waco.”

Other students have more experience in competing.

Amaia Scholl, a senior who did FPS all the way from middle school says that “FPS has been super beneficial for me and looks good for colleges, but I am also excited for the state competition to be over.”

Students also like FPS to help them with other school work.

Abel Mathews, another senior, says that “FPS has helped me think through other school work too and has helped me find solutions in other classes like engineering.”

Future Problem Solvers is a beneficial way for students to compete and put their knowledge to the test. Competing three to five times a year, students look forward to competing and putting in the work over the school year. Senior students who have competed three or more years are also able to earn a cord at graduation, making another reason to join the club.