ANDREWS, Texas – Andrews Middle School sixth grade Future Problem Solvers earned first place at the FPS international competition for their Andrews Black & Gold Market.
This is the first time AMS has won first place at the international level in the junior division.
They competed at the affiliate level in late February and was one of two junior teams selected to move onto internationals. The group competed against 12 other teams, including five from countries across the world.
The sixth grade FPS team decided to create a monthly farmers market to help the Andrews community impacted by COVID-19 and the oil industry crisis. During their research, the team looked at other small towns that had monthly farmers markets. They created a list of rules and regulations as well as a waiver for the vendors. The team surveyed Andrews residents to see if there was interest in a farmers market.
The group of 6th graders took their idea to the mayor and city council for approval. Eventually, they had 25 vendors sign up to sell their products.
A couple from the community has taken over the Black & Gold Market to continue the event every month.