Garrison Middle School Students Engineer Victory at Washington State TEAMS Championship
(L-R) Reuben Jenkins, Tobias Hammar, and Jameson Zierenberg
On Saturday, January 31, Garrison Middle School students Tobias Hammer, Rueben Jenkins, and Jameson Zierenberg were named the Washington State Champions in the 2026 TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) competition.
TEAMS is a rigorous annual STEM competition that challenges middle and high school students to solve real-world engineering issues. This year’s theme, “Engineering the Past,” required students to apply modern STEM knowledge to historical engineering challenges, demonstrating both academic excellence and collaborative problem-solving.
The trio from Garrison Middle School excelled across all four demanding components of the state-level competition:
Collaborative Essay: The team researched and authored an in-depth electronic essay before the event, focusing on complex engineering concepts.
Design/Build: During a dedicated Saturday in January, the students competed in a hands-on challenge to design and construct a tangible solution to an engineering problem.
Multiple Choice: The team utilized advanced math and science skills to solve practical, real-world engineering scenarios.
Mathematical Modeling: Students developed a specialized mathematical model to derive solutions based on provided data sets.
"We are incredibly proud of Tobias, Rueben, and Jameson for their dedication and brilliance," said coach Mike Bertram, Garrison STEM Teacher. "Their willingness to spend their weekends tackling complex mathematical modeling and design challenges is a testament to their character and their bright futures in the STEM fields."
