The Utah STEM Action Center and U-MAKE Celebrating America's Story announced the winners of a statewide 3D coin design contest on September 4, 2026. The competition, which was launched in honor of the United States' 250th anniversary, challenged residents to design unique 3D printable coins representing the heritage and culture of Utah's 29 counties.
Contest Winners by Age Group
The contest featured five distinct age-based brackets to ensure fair competition among Utah residents. Winners in the Kindergarten through 2nd Grade category included Eden in first place, Marin in second, and Jack Bowes in third. In the 3rd through 5th Grade division, Alyena Bowes secured first place, followed by Lorraine Steurer in second and Wriglee Benson in third.
For the 6th through 8th Grade bracket, Lexi Holman earned first place, with Jayden Jiang in second and Neel Parlapalli in third. The 9th through 12th Grade category saw Sabella Holman take first place, Ian Petersen in second, and Samuel in third. The Adult division, for participants aged 18 and older, was won by Addie Holman in first place, Jenalee Marshall in second, and Chance Holman in third.
Prizes and Recognition
The prizes for the competition were based on the age group of the participant. First-place winners across all brackets received a prize value of $500, while second-place winners received $250, and third-place winners received $100.
Beyond monetary value, winning designs are scheduled to be featured in a digital gallery for public viewing. The designs will also be milled for exhibition, which allows the 3D models to be presented as physical objects. Additionally, winning entries may be selected for inclusion in various museum displays throughout the state of Utah.
Design Requirements and Resources
The competition was part of a broader initiative to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary by highlighting Utah's diverse stories. Participants were tasked with creating designs that captured the essence of specific counties, focusing on their unique history, natural landscapes, or cultural symbols.
To assist participants, the Utah STEM Action Center provided resources such as lesson plans for educators to integrate the contest into school curricula. Designers were permitted to use various 3D modeling software to complete their entries, including Tinkercad, Blender, and Fusion 360.
The Role of U-MAKE
The contest was supported by U-MAKE, also known as the Utah Maker Access & Knowledge Ecosystem. U-MAKE serves as a gateway to a network of local makerspaces and maker learning resources throughout the state, designed to help residents collaborate and explore STEM projects.
Partnering makerspaces included several locations across Utah, such as Utah Tech University in St. George, Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Southeast Makerstudio in Price, MAKE SALT LAKE in Salt Lake City, Davis Catalyst Center in Kaysville, Utah Valley University in Orem, and Utah State University. The STEM Action Center also maintains an Innovation Hub, a 2000 square foot space in South Salt Lake that serves as an incubator for project-based and hands-on learning.
Innovation Hub Capabilities
The STEM Action Center Innovation Hub provides a variety of cutting-edge tools for makers and innovators. The facility's equipment includes 11 Bambu Lab A1 Mini 3D printers, a Bambu Lab X1 Carbon Combo, a Shapeoko 4 XXL CNC Router, a Tormach PCNC 440 CNC Mill, and an Epilog Fusion Edge 12 60W CO2 Laser System.
Other available resources include a Sawgrass SG1000 Sublimation Printer, various sewing machines including the Janome 1522-DG and Baby Lock Flare Embroidery Machine, and several Cricut devices, including the Cricut Air and Cricut Maker. The hub also features a large format plotter, a metal band saw, a scroll saw, and a book binding press.
STEM Action Center Leadership
The STEM Action Center's leadership team oversees these programs and initiatives. The team is directed by Tami Goetz, with Sue Redington serving as Deputy Director. Other key staff members include Allison Spencer, Clarence Ames, Kellie Yates, Lynn Reichert, Emilee King, Shelby Averett, Sarah Broadbent, Jana Alexander, Becca Robison, and Gina Powell.
