We are thrilled to celebrate one of our own—Aryash, a standout middle school student at Lehigh Valley Academy—who has been named a 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge State Merit Winner! Aryash is the only student from Pennsylvania to receive this prestigious recognition, earning his place among just 32 students nationwide selected for their innovation, scientific insight, and exceptional communication skills.
Aryash’s submission, titled GreenBeam – Autonomous Laser Weed Control, earned recognition in the nation’s premier science competition for middle school students, co-hosted by 3M and Discovery Education. Now in its eighteenth year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge encourages students in grades 5–8 to identify everyday problems and submit original ideas using science to solve them. This year’s categories included robotics, safety, home improvement, climate technology, and more—underscoring the vital role of STEM in shaping a better world.
“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge inspires student curiosity and helps build confidence by connecting what’s learned in the classroom to the real world in tangible and hands-on ways,” said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. “Congratulations to each of the students honored for your effort to use science to create a better world.”
Each year, the competition recognizes a grand prize winner, 10 national finalists, four honorable mentions, and state merit winners from across the U.S. Past participants have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, and be featured in TIME Magazine, The New York Times, and on national television. In 2022, the competition launched the 3M Young Scientist Alumni Network, offering mentorship and connection opportunities to over 100 past winners and finalists.
The challenge also supports the Young Scientist Lab—a collaboration between 3M and Discovery Education that provides free, high-quality STEM resources for students, teachers, and families. These materials are also available through Discovery Education’s digital platform, reaching millions of learners worldwide.
Aryash’s achievement is a shining example of what happens when a student embodies the IB Learner Profile—demonstrating traits like inquiry, open-mindedness, risk-taking, and principled action—while applying real-world knowledge to global challenges. His recognition reminds us all of the boundless potential in our students and the transformative power of science, innovation, and lifelong learning at LVA.
We’re incredibly proud of him for representing Lehigh Valley Academy and Pennsylvania on a national stage. Congrats, Aryash!
Lehigh Valley Academy RCS 