Boeing-backed all girls team fly into F1 finals
The Originators team (front row left to right) Mia, Kirsty, Maddison, Evelyn and Maddalin with Boeing supporters (back row left to right) Zaid, Kincaid, Anita, Simon and Jim.
March 28, 2023 - A Boeing-backed mini racing car constructed by five Year 8 female students is well on track for a podium finish at the Formula 1 in Schools Challenge National Finals being held in New South Wales this week.
The Cessnock High School team called The Originators designed their cars named in honour of female role models.
“Each design has been improved from track clearance to increased wheel visibility and refined vehicle stability as we’ve progressed to the Finals,” said Team Captain, Mia Somers.
“We named our final design Antunovich after our inspiring Boeing mentor Anita Antunovich who’s been a huge support to our team and an Originator in her own right – we know our car will do her proud.”
Antunovich, a Newcastle-based software manager, joined the team as a mentor through Boeing’s Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter partnership program.
“Mentoring the team was such a great opportunity to connect with the local community and inspire students to consider a career path in STEM and with Boeing,” she said.
“The girls were so excited, so full of light and enthusiasm and seeing their creative minds at work was energizing – it’s been a real highlight.”
Antunovich’s multi-skilled background allowed her to support the team from the equally important non-technical perspective in areas such as editing and proofreading their project portfolio, social media strategy, designing trade displays, budgeting and scheduling.
“The Challenge requires students to plan and implement a comprehensive project from vehicle design and manufacturer to engaging with community sponsors, which is an incredibly robust learning experience,” said Antunovich who is one of the 11 Boeing volunteers sharing their expertise.
Boeing has supported the program over the past four years including, The Rapidity Racing team, which consists of three Year 11/12 Cessnock High students who will also race this week as finalists in the Challenge’s next level Professional Class.