CTEC CAPS Creators from DeSoto, Kansas, Representing Women in STEM at Nationals!

Meet the CTEC CAPS Creators from DeSoto, KS, the brilliant team who impressed everyone at the Women in STEM Make48 competition in Kansas City! This team earned the Runner-Up title with an innovative design that was both practical and stylish. 

Maddy, Crosby, Caroline and team captain Jamiee Berry will represent Cedar Trails Exploration Center at the national competition in Fishers, IN this November. (Caroline and Jamiee are stepping in for previous team members Aurora and Nancy Taliaferro, respectively).

We sat down with two of the talented team members, Madeline Hillaire and Crosby Taylor, both high school seniors, to get their perspective on the fast-paced, 48-hour inventing challenge.

CTEC CAPS Creators from DeSoto, KS

Collaboration and Creativity

When asked about their favorite part of the Make48 competition, both students highlighted the people. Madeline loved the positive and encouraging atmosphere, saying, “every person I met was extremely kind, encouraging, and really cared about the event.”  She was inspired by the support from staff, tool techs, and even competing teams. Crosby agreed, loving the opportunity of “Getting to work alongside so many brilliant minds.”

Their idea for the she-shed challenge stood out for its unique design and aesthetics. Maddy believed their idea was different because of "the creativity in the design," resulting in a prototype that was “stylish, unique, and made great use of the she-shed space.” Crosby added that their product was “super unique and unlike anything anybody has ever seen”  and was also “very aesthetically pleasing.”

The best memories were rooted in seeing their idea come to life. For Maddy, the highlight was “when we finally attached our prototype to the makeshift wall... When we did this we could finally get the foldable part of our design to work which meant the project was finished.” Crosby's most memorable moment was a more comical one: “Trying not to get stains on my favorite pants!”

 The team will represent Cedar Trails Exploration Center at Make48 Nationals in Fishers, IN this November.

Ideas for a Better Education

Madeline and Crosby both have insightful ideas for subjects that should be added to the school curriculum. Maddy suggests a class that focuses on real-world problems, encouraging students to “use their imagination to find an answer.” She would measure success not with grades or tests, but by the student's willingness ‘to use their ideas for something good.’

Crosby proposes a subject on Emotional Intelligence and Mental Resilience. She believes it would help students “better understand and manage their emotions, handle stress, build healthy relationships, and navigate challenges.” She would teach it with interactive methods like ‘discussions, role-playing, journaling, and real-life scenarios.’

When it comes to their favorite personal trait, Maddy says she loves that she pushes herself to try new things, despite initial hesitation. Crosby's favorite thing about herself is her resilience.

CTEC CAPS Creators with Women in STEM Judges

Achievements and Role Models

Both students shared achievements that reflect their determination. Maddy is proud of making the varsity softball team her sophomore year, an experience that reaffirmed her ‘love of the sport and my abilities as an athlete.’  Crosby is proud of getting accepted into the National Honor Society (NHS), calling it “a great honor.”

They also look up to strong leaders in their lives. Maddy admires her high school softball coach, Coach Woolery, who is kind, positive, and pushes her to be the best person she can be. Crosby admires Coach King, their weights and football coach, for the way he leads students and players. Crosby admires that Coach King “always pushes for success and does everything he can to help you reach your goals.”

The journey of the CAPS Creators is a fantastic example of what happens when creativity meets commitment. They’ve built incredible momentum and, more importantly, proven they can build lasting success. We know the entire support system at Cedar Trails Exploration Center is ready to cheer them on as they represent DeSoto, KS, at the national competition this November. We’re wishing this brilliant team the very best of luck!