Three students from Ladue Horton Watkins High School—Ananya Goli and Elle Saleeby, both 10th graders, and Josi Saleeby, a 9th grader—have been named finalists for the 2026 National Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Festival!

Selected as three of only five finalists from Missouri—and among more than 250 students nationwide—these students advanced through a highly competitive process that began with thousands of applicants submitting detailed project summaries. Judges evaluated each submission based on innovation, research, and potential impact.

Finalists will now submit a short video explaining their project and its potential real-world impact. The highest-scoring project from each state and territory will be named a National STEM Champion and invited to Washington, D.C., to share their work with industry leaders, policymakers, and the media, while also gaining valuable mentorship and networking opportunities.

Elle Saleeby was named a National STEM Champion in this same program last year, and both Elle and Josi Saleeby have now advanced to finalist status for the second consecutive year—an impressive accomplishment that reflects sustained innovation, dedication, and excellence in STEM learning.

Ladue Schools is incredibly proud of Ananya, Elle, and Josi for representing our district with curiosity, creativity, and leadership.