Teams from across Alabama participated in the Alabama Future Problem Solving Program throughout this school year and Bragg Middle School had three teams to qualify as finalists, and were invited to compete recently at the state level.

Bragg swept the competition bringing home the first, second and third place trophies at this competition, which was held in Montgomery.

The team that placed first in this prestigious competition advances on to compete against students from across the world. These Bragg Middle School students will represent Alabama at the 2012 International Future Problem Solving Conference from June 6-10 at Indiana University.

The international conference features outstanding creative problem solving students from around the world. Teams and individuals from Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and more than 40 states within the United States will attend the international conference. The topic of this worldwide competition is on pharmaceuticals.

Numerous activities and opportunities to meet many interesting individuals await these Bragg Middle School students.

The Future Problem Solving Program International engages students in creative problem solving. Founded in 1974, the program aims to stimulate critical and creative thinking skills and encourages students to develop a vision for the future.

Competitions like the Future Problem Solving Program International allow academically talented students the opportunity to showcase their creative skills in much the same way sports showcase star athletes.

Overall, the program teaches kids how to think, not what to think.

Team members who won the state championship are Reilly Bryant, Mckenzie Cramer, Madasyn Goolsby, Ben Mostafavi and Cody Baxter.

Team members who brought home the second-place trophy are Joanna Ellis, Ashley Gay, Lauren Lindsey, Jacob Lloyd and Kayla Leo.

Team members who placed third in the state competition are Josh Anderson, Reid Handley, Nate Prisoc, Garrett Wood and Katie Durrett.

During the year, these young people have studied and worked out problems and solutions on the topics of coral reef, futuristic work days, human rights and trade barriers.

The teams are coached by Rhonda Duncan.