A team of students from Westchester High School, shown above, was one of three finalists in the inaugural Aspen Challenge–launched by the Aspen Institute and the Bezos Family Foundation, in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The team consists of, from left to right: coach Veianca Millet, Mia Brumfield, Arielle Brumfield, Chelsea Arzu, Nick Davis, Isaiah Dunn, Jasmine Polee, Jordan Keligond and Ralston Galvez.
The competition featured 20 teams–including students from Dorsey, Fairfax, Hamilton, Middle College High School, Washington Preparatory and West Adams Preparatory high schools–working over seven weeks to create solutions to some of the globe’s most challenging issues. Through a revolutionary urban farming style known as aquaponic farming, the Westchester team aims to grow food and cultivate fish. Taft and the Downtown Business Magnet High are the other finalists, and all three teams will win a full scholarship to present their innovative solutions at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Aspen, Colo., in late June.
The Dorsey High Eco Club also finished in the top six.
