Winners of Modine- and Milwaukee Bucks-sponsored effort were awarded prizes at assemblies featuring Bucks mascot Bango and trampoline dunking team Rim Rockers
March 27, 2025 (Racine, WI) — Julian Thomas Elementary and Knapp Elementary fifth-graders participated in the almost two-month-long science fair that culminated in an award assembly 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 second 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 second community school, with Knapp Elementary participating in the science fair.
"Modine is honored to be a part of the Hoop Dreams and Clean Machines program at Knapp and Julian Thomas elementary schools," said Neil D. Brinker, President and CEO of Modine. "We appreciate the partnership with the Bucks, United Way, and the schools to design a program that inspires such excitement, learning and creativity among the students."
Each member of the first-place team at each school received tickets to the April 13 Bucks game against the Detroit Pistons, 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: Kamila M., Ariana C., Sofia B., Kayce D. and Damarion K.
- Second-place team members: Isabella A., Anahi P., Alexis A., and Angel G.
- Third-place team members: Ava W., Egypt G., Liyah R., Ka’niyla T. and Keyontrey N.
Winners at Knapp Elementary were:
- First-place team members: Quirina M., Azuri Y., Angelina F. and Tramya J.
- Second-place team members: Gabriela R., Kylee S., Bella J. and Jonah S.
- Third-place team members: Andrew B., Omari M., Jovon W. and Jayshon M.
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: Emanie S., Ariel C., Anthony H., Janessa L. and Leylani G.
- Bango’s Buddies at Knapp were: Xymerion B., Joshua A. and Hunter L.
The science fair tipped off on Jan. 30, when Modine 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 Julian Thomas or Knapp staff and those projects were evaluated on March 24 by representatives of Modine, Bucks, United Way of Racine County and Racine Unified School District.
The top teams ran their battery-powered vehicles through a small course with obstacles. The entries were judged on the quality of their research and data analysis, the results of the race and the creativity of their presentation.
“The science fair has quickly become one of my favorite things we do in our community schools,” United Way President and CEO Ali Haigh said. “This is a great example of what can happen when community partnerships come together. This project inspired young minds in science, and it built teamwork and school spirit. We are so proud to be part of the team that brought this opportunity to these schools.”