The UA hosted 39 high schools and middle schools from all over Arizona that came to compete in the 14th Annual MESA Day competitions Saturday.
MESA, which stands for Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement, is a program that targets minority students who are interested in developing their engineering skills for college.
"MESA offers college preparation to minorities so they have more access to college," said Rafael Meza, a coordinator for the MESA program. "Students are also more prepared for college because of what they learn in this program."
The competitions ranged from students launching bottle rockets on the UA Mall to students presenting an oral presentation to companies such as IBM and Raytheon Systems Company about their plan for a multipurpose vehicle they designed.
The competitions had strict guidelines, including exact measurements of the scale models of windmills and gliders students designed. Some students were disqualified for not following measurement instructions.
"I was really disappointed with some of the parents," said Lucy Hwang, a UA volunteer and a microbiology junior. "Some students were disqualified for not following the guidelines and the parents would have a fit. But the kids were good overall."
The parental temper tantrums were few and far between, and overall the event was successful and a good time for the students.
"For the most part there has been great parent support, and the kids seem to be having a lot of fun," said Erica Damon, a volunteer and family studies and human development senior. "All the competitors have been great, and we have seen some awesome middle and high school students compete."
The overall school winners were Carson Middle School, 7777 E. Stella Road, and Peoria High School, outside of Phoenix. They received giant trophies and a chance to compete at the national level.
Lorena Farinas, a sophomore at Peoria High School, said she felt really good after winning the award.
"We worked very hard and we really deserve this for all of our hard work," Farinas said.
This was the second MESA Day competition that Farinas competed in. She said she joined because her teachers told her it would help with college, and also because it's fun.
"MESA is a good program for kids and everyone should join because it helps a lot," Farinas said.
As the students dispersed after the award ceremony, there were faces of disappointment, but most were happy with their achievements in the competition.
"Our instructor is going to take us out to dinner to celebrate," Farinas said. "We are going to work hard again to win for next year too."