FRANKLIN, MA – The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) is thrilled to announce middle school achievements in the fields of Science, Technology and Engineering. 

The One8 Applied Learning Hub and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) hosted an Applied Learning Student Showcase on May 8 at The TRACK at New Balance in Boston, MA. Following an in-school STEAM showcase, 8th grade BFCCPS teams were selected to take part, supported and chaperoned by STEAM Teacher and Grades 6-8 Librarian Jessica Kelleher.

Students who participated in this year’s statewide expo created a tri-fold board presentation and produced a functioning app on MIT App Inventor to present to industry experts. Students included; Aagam Shah and James Jaeggli with their app about medications for the elderly, Max Greene and Jacob Simmons with their app about Ninja Warrior, and Anagha Balagurumoorthy and Shreya Kirikera with their app about water safety with drinking water. 

The next day, 16 BFCCPS grade 7 & 8 students participated in the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF) held at Clark University. The following students earned accolades: 

Cabot Grand Award: Aagam Shah and Chittesh Patel “Selective Capture of Harmful Pathogens Using a Mucin-Based Trapping Mechanism” 

Second Place Award: Dishita Noolu: “Does a natural bandage infused with healing and antibacterial ingredients promote faster skin recovery than a regular store-bought bandage” 

Third Place Award: Anagha Balagurumoorthy and Shreya Kirikera “Investigation of Pharmaceutical Waste in Public Water Systems” 

Honorable Mention: Mansha Khatri and Poorvi Rajaboyina “Freezing of Different Water Types” 

Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge Delegates: Aagam Shah and Chittesh Patel 

We are incredibly excited to share that Aagam Shah, Chittesh Patel and Dishita Noolu have qualified to participate in a national event which will take place in the Fall of 2026. 

Thank you to both Mr. Pontes-Macedo and Mrs. Nestor for supporting and encouraging our scientists.