Winners of Modine-, Discovery World- and Milwaukee Bucks-sponsored effort were awarded prizes at assemblies featuring Bucks mascot Bango and trampoline dunking team Rim Rockers
March 27, 2026 (Racine, WI) — Fifth graders at Julian Thomas Elementary, Knapp Elementary and Academies of Racine at Mitchell participated in the almost two-month-long science fair that culminated in award assemblies Wednesday and Thursday, where winners were announced and prizes were awarded with the help of Milwaukee Bucks mascot Bango, and included a performance by the trampoline dunking Rim Rockers.
Hoop Dreams and Clean Machines: The Science Fair Race is the third year of a partnership between Modine, the Bucks, Racine Unified School District and United Way of Racine County. This year, the effort expanded to a third community school, with students at Academies of Racine at Mitchell participating in the science fair. The partnership also expanded to include teacher and student support from Discovery World employees.
“We’re proud to celebrate the third year of Hoop Dreams and Clean Machines,” said Neil D. Brinker, president and CEO of Modine. “This program brings our purpose, Engineering a Cleaner, Healthier World, to life. By giving students hands-on experience with engineering, we’re helping inspire the next generation of engineers in our community.”
Each member of the first-place team at each school received tickets to the April 10 Bucks game against the Brooklyn Nets, transportation to and from the game and concession stand vouchers to use at Fiserv Forum during the game. Second- and third-place winning teams won Bucks merchandise.
Winners at Julian Thomas Elementary were:
- First-place team members: Isai Antonio, Joshua Ramirez, Roberto Ramirez Rodriguez, Jose Bernal and Luis Blanco
- Second-place team members: Moises Donoso, Melanie Lopez Martinez, Dulce Dominguez Ruiz and Arturo Ramirez
- Third-place team members: Chase Oliver, Malik Ruiz and Arianna Batterman
Winners at Knapp Elementary were:
- First place team members: Lillianna Jimenez, Aria Hayes, Giselle Estrada and Jack Breschenider
- Second place team members: Shalunda Broughton, Le’zariah Miller, Mia Bocanegra and Sofia Kelley
- Third place team members: Rylee Evans, Celena Holmes and Dariana Harris
Winners at Academies of Racine at Mitchell were:
- First place team members: Isaac Roman, Erasto Cruz-Cruz and Evolet Ruiz Valencia
- Second place team members: Noah Lemke, Ethan Von Ebers and Sai’onee Pitt
- Third place team members: Dani Rindahl and Kal Duenas
Each school also had a spirit award. One team at each school was named Bango’s Buddies for showing great teamwork and enthusiasm for the project, including the decorations for their vehicle.
- Bango’s Buddies at Julian Thomas were: Hector Rodriguez, Cole Harmon-Sura, Cash Sheit and Amarhi Conners
- Bango’s Buddies at Knapp were: Jolysse Williams, Ernesto Gutierriez, Jh’ziyah Moore, Zyier Evans and Millie Mejia
- Bango’s Buddies at Mitchell were: Maria Davalos, Maria Mendez Villeda, Isabella Faz, Izel Jimenez and Deliah Vital-Espino
The science fair tipped off in mid-January, when Modine and Discovery World employees visited fifth-grade science classes at the schools to introduce the fair and its exciting prizes and teach the students about battery-powered vehicles and the importance of a healthy environment.
The top projects at each school were selected by each school’s staff and those projects were evaluated on March 9 and 11 by representatives of Modine, Milwaukee Bucks, Discovery World, United Way of Racine County and Racine Unified School District.
The entries were judged on the quality of their research and data analysis, the vehicle’s movement and the creativity of their presentation.
“The science fair continues to be one of my favorite things we do in our community schools,” said Ali Haigh, President and CEO of United Way of Racine County. “This year, we’re proud to see the science fair taking place at all three of our community schools, expanding opportunities for students to explore their curiosity and showcase their ideas. It’s a wonderful example of what strong community partnerships can accomplish. We’re grateful for the ongoing support of Modine and excited to welcome Discovery World as a new partner in this work. Together, we’re helping spark a love of learning while building teamwork and school pride across our community.”