Congratulations to Team DONS, composed of 8 members of 12th grade MESA students, who were honored at the December 12, 2018 CUSD Board of Trustees meeting. They won 2nd Place out of 25 teams in the STEM on the Sidelines “Mini Football Launcher” Competition, held at Los Angeles Chargers Headquarters at Hoag Performance Center. The team designed, built, and programmed a device using Raspberry Pi Sandbox Tech Kit, breadboard, and motors that would launch a mini football for two tasks; accuracy and maximum distance. CUSD Director of School Partnerships Jeff Harris, and Dominguez High School Assistant Principal Ian Eddy presented the recognition.

The team was joined by teachers Ms. Vargas and Mr. Kim, who mentored and guided the students as they evolved from a group of students to a team of engineers, overcoming obstacles to complete the challenge effectively.

“We had a hard time at first,” a team member shared, referring to the fact that it was the first time the group worked together. “But we learned to work as a team and had great support.”

Student Board Member, Nelly Carrillo, addressed the group, “It is difficult to be a student and do something not expected, but if you go beyond what you thought you can do, you can achieve great things…I hope that you can go on and create great things in the world!”

Team Dons and their accomplishment were also recognized on the field at the Chargers home game against the Denver Broncos on November 18, 2018. Well done to each of the team members and the supportive teachers, Ms. Vargas and Mr. Kim, who supported them along the way: Felipe Castro, Osvaldo Galindo, Gabriela Maravilla, Maricruz Soberanes, Eddie Solorzano, Alejandro Toscano, Miguel Torres, Arnold Vargas.