Dalton, GA – Hammond Creek Middle School (HCMS) proudly celebrates the achievement of sixth-grader Brandt Bowers, who secured first place in 3-D Modeling at a regional technology competition. The event, held on January 30, 2026, at Georgia Highlands College in Rome, GA, marked the first time HCMS students participated in this competition, making Brandt’s victory even more significant.
By earning first place, Brandt has qualified for the State Championship, set to take place on March 1, 2026. His outstanding performance in the 3-D Modeling category highlights his creativity, technical skills, and ability to design original three-dimensional digital models using specialized software. Judges assessed his work based on design quality, technical understanding, creativity, and documentation.
While Brandt’s win is a remarkable achievement, he was not alone in representing HCMS. Carmen Estrada, Adelaya Waire, and Ayo Ilesanmi also took on the challenge of competing in this highly competitive event. Their efforts are helping to pave the way for Dalton students to be recognized as emerging leaders in technology, setting a strong foundation for future competitors.
The 3-D Modeling category requires students to create original models within software such as Tinkercad, Blender, Zbrush, Maya, AutoCAD, SketchUp, GollyGee Blocks (iOS), and LightWave. Projects are evaluated on completeness, realism, and the effective application of design principles. Brandt impressed the judges with his mastery of software tools and his innovative approach to 3-D modeling.
HCMS technology teacher Jennifer Barmore, who has guided students through this competition, emphasized the importance of preparing students for an ever-changing digital landscape.
“I know that technology is evolving and changing and looks nothing like it did 5, 10, or 15 years ago. Fifteen years ago, smartphones were just hitting the market; five years ago, AI seemed like a concept that intimidated many, and people weren’t sure how it would integrate into daily life. Now, we are preparing students for future careers that we don’t even know exist yet. Making sure our students are proficient in understanding and producing technology—not just consuming it—is a priority of mine. Preparing students for college, career, and civic life is more than just words we throw out.”
HCMS congratulates Brandt Bowers on his outstanding accomplishment and commends Carmen Estrada, Adelaya Waire, and Ayo Ilesanmi for their hard work and trailblazing efforts in this competition. Their participation underscores HCMS’s commitment to excellence in technology education and the empowerment of students as future innovators. The school looks forward to Brandt’s continued success at the State Championship, where he will compete among the top young technology minds in Georgia.
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