Apple Montessori Alumni Win First Prize in National NASA Challenge
Apple Montessori Schools is proud to celebrate alumni Alvitha Pyla and Varenya Desiraju, who were recently named first prize winners in the prestigious 2025–2026 NASA Dream With Us Challenge!
Their innovative project, Scout Farm, stood out among submissions from across the country, earning national recognition for its creativity, forward-thinking design, and real-world impact. Now eighth grade students at Herbert Hoover Middle School, Alvitha and Varenya are being recognized on a national stage—an achievement that reflects both their dedication and the strong foundation built during their time at Apple Montessori.
"Our time at Apple Montessori helped shape who we are and what we are passionate about today," they shared. "We learned how to manage our time, set personal goals, and take responsibility for our work, which helped us grow more confident as students and individuals."
At Apple Montessori, students are encouraged to explore their interests, think independently, and take ownership of their learning from an early age. For Alvitha and Varenya, that freedom helped spark the curiosity and confidence that continue to guide them today.
"Having the freedom to choose what we wanted to focus on allowed us to discover interests we may not have explored in a traditional classroom setting," they said.
Their award-winning project reflects that same spirit of innovation. The concept reimagines agriculture through a service-based model powered by autonomous drones, allowing farmers to monitor crops, assess livestock, and apply nutrients with precision and without the burden of owning or maintaining complex equipment.
A defining part of their Montessori experience was the mixed-age classroom, where students both learn from peers and step into leadership roles themselves.
“We looked up to older students as role models, and later had the opportunity to guide and support younger classmates, which taught us leadership, empathy, and responsibility," they said of their time at Apple.
These experiences foster strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills—qualities that are clearly reflected in their success today.
Alvitha and Varenya’s achievement is a proud moment for the entire Apple Montessori community, and is a powerful example of what students can accomplish when they are nurtured in an environment that values curiosity, creativity, and independence.
"Apple provided us with a strong foundation that enables us to actively participate in academic projects and competitions. The school encouraged our curiosity and supported creativity and out-of-the-box thinking."
Becky Fish, a 22-year Apple veteran who now serves on the School Support Center team, was the director of Apple Montessori Metuchen during the students' time there. She shared:
"Proud would be an understatement. I always knew these girls would do great things, and it is incredibly rewarding to see that come to life on a national stage. This is exactly what an Apple Montessori foundation is designed to do— empower students to think big, take initiative, and pursue their ideas with confidence.
"I have no doubt we will be celebrating more milestones like this from them in the future."
Their recognition by NASA is not only a celebration of their accomplishments, but also a testament to the lasting impact of an Apple Montessori education, where students are empowered to think boldly, lead confidently, and pursue ideas that can shape the future.
