Shaler Area High School students earned second place overall in this year’s Fairchild Challenge, hosted by Phipps Conservatory, finishing with 950.25 out of 1,000 points — just seven points behind first place. The challenge consisted of six unique projects requiring students to draw on research, writing, and artistic skills. Shaler Area students placed in all six categories, a testament to the depth and dedication of the program. As a result of their finish, the school will receive a $500 grant to support future efforts.

This marks the 15th consecutive year Shaler Area has participated in the Fairchild Challenge, and the school has placed either first or second every single year. Last year’s second-place grant was put to excellent use — students reimagined and rebuilt the high school’s green wall, a project led by senior Kai Ruefle with contributions from many of his peers. This year, Kai Ruefle, Grace Helbling, Abby Maher, Grace Grabowski, and Abi Lemmon represented the school at the awards ceremony at Phipps Conservatory on Monday.