Future Problem Solving International Conference

Hudson students taking a rest on a bench in the Hudson t-shirts.

Throughout the school year, over thirty (30) Hudson students in grades 5-10 competed in the Scenario Writing Competition for Future Problem Solving. Of those students, twelve (12) qualified to attend the state Future Problem Solving competition this past April. The Wisconsin State winners were invited to advance to the international conference. Hudson’s four state winners included, Ben Weaver – 1st place WI Scenario Writer, Junior Division; George Cook – 2nd place WI Scenario Writer, Junior Division; Ainsley Kennedy – 1st place WI Scenario Writer, Senior Division; and Julia Ginsbach – 2nd place WI Scenario Writer, Senior Division.

Hudson students taking a rest on a bench in the Hudson t-shirts.

Pictured above: Benjamin Weaver (Hudson Middle School); George Cook (Hudson Prairie Elementary School); Ainsley Kennedy (Hudson High School); Julia Ginsbach (Hudson High School)

At the Future Problem Solving International Conference, the students were matched up with writers from around the United States and the world for the team scenario writing competition. During the competition, teams wrote a new, collaborative story in two hours based on a future scene and topic. This year’s topic was “De-Extinction.” There were 85 competitors who qualified for the International Scenario Writing competition. Hudson came home with two awards. Benjamin Weaver’s team scenario earned 2nd place in the Junior Division and Julia Ginsbach’s team scenario earned 1st place in the Senior Division.

A group of four students stand with their trophies

Picture above: Benjamin Weaver with his teammates from Kentucky, Michigan and France.

A group of four students stand with their trophies

Pictured above: Julia Ginsbach with her teammates from California, Washington and Kentucky.

The Future Problem Solving International Conference provides participants with the opportunity to experience a high-level of competition and gain valuable feedback from a wider audience on their writing. Additionally, participants learn about and interact with students from diverse cultures, gaining a global perspective on topics and issues that affect our whole world and collective future. It is a motivating and enriching experience for all who attend!

Celebration of flags on the stage.

Flags and flag bearers at the Opening Ceremony of at the Future Problem Solvers International Conference at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.