Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured with their trophy from the Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League Minecraft State Finals are Grayson Zapel, Patrick Ferrie and Bo Winkels.

Three Warren County School District fifth-grade students brought home a state championship after competing in the

Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League Minecraft State Finals on Friday, February 6.

Patrick Ferrie, Bo Winkels and Grayson Zapel of Beaty Middle School earned first place at the competition held at the Just Press Play Mega Store in Lancaster.

“I am incredibly proud of Bo, Grayson and Patrick,” said Meggi Brown, Minecraft advisor and gifted support STEM instructor. “They demonstrated a strong understanding of Minecraft building and the creativity that goes with it, while working exceptionally well as a team.”

The trio advanced to the state finals after placing first in their regional competition, which included schools from 14 counties. They then competed against seven other regional champions from across the state.

Students were presented with a brand-new challenge and given a set amount of time to design and build a Minecraft world centered on the theme “Pennsylvania’s Factory of the Future.” The challenge required teams to create a factory that uses advanced technology and sustainable energy to strengthen the manufacturing industry. Participants also had to incorporate Pennsylvania-based materials, such as wood or crops, and demonstrate how products move through the manufacturing and distribution process.

“The competition was really fun and exhilarating,” said Zapel. “The build up was a little intense, but it was a lot of fun.”

Ferrie, Winkels and Zapel designed a factory that produced fertilizer using renewable resources without carbonizing the environment. Their build featured a system that transported the finished product onto boats for distribution to farmers, who would then use the fertilizer on their crops.

“We were all nervous about how we would do at the competition, but we were really excited too,” said Ferrie. “We were worried that we wouldn’t have enough time to finish building our world, but in the end, we had five minutes to spare.”

The competition aligns with Governor Josh Shapiro’s economic strategy highlighting manufacturing as a high-growth opportunity for Pennsylvania. Students were challenged to build a system that prioritizes sustainability, industrial decarbonization and a supply chain connecting raw materials to broader markets.

The students described the competition as both nerve-wracking and exciting.

“I was surprised that we actually got first place. It was very uplifting, Winkles added.”