Katelyn Vlastaris, a sixth-grader from Westlake, placed second at the Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI) Conference in Minnesota. She qualified to represent the state of Ohio in the individual junior division after winning first place at the state level.

A student at Birchwood School, Katelyn has been researching the topic of “Green Living” for two months to prepare for the competition held at the University of Wisconsin from June 10–13.

FPSPI engages students in creative problem solving. Founded in 1974 by creativity pioneer, Dr. E. Paul Torrance, the program stimulates critical and creative thinking skills and encourages students to develop a vision for the future.

The International Conference features four days of competitive problem solving and cooperative educational seminars.  Each year over 2,000 students and coaches attend the FPSPI conference which includes charters from forty-five affiliate programs throughout the United States and other European and Asian countries, involving 250,000 students annually.