AC Students Excel at Pantex Innovation Challenge, Earn Top Honors and MVP Awards

Amarillo College students delivered an outstanding performance at the annual Pantex Innovation Challenge, earning top team finishes, multiple MVP honors, and advancing to the next round of competition.

Held March 26–27 at Amarillo College’s Innovation Outpost campus, the event brought together some of the region’s brightest emerging talent to tackle complex, real-world challenges.

Out of 16 Amarillo College participants, eight earned placement or MVP recognition, a 50% success rate that highlights the strength of the college’s programs and student preparation.

Leading the way was a first-place team that included team mentor Virginia Gipson, a business administration major, and Derrick W. Baker, a computer information systems major. The team earned the competition’s top prize of $5,000 and will advance to the second round at Pantex, scheduled for November.

Additional top finishers included:

• Second Place ($3,000): Vicente Vazquez, AC engineering graduate and a West Texas A&M University student

• Third Place ($2,000): Josue Ornelas and Noah Campbell, both computer networking/cybersecurity associate of applied science majors

Amarillo College students also stood out individually, capturing five of the competition’s 10 MVP honors. Recognized as MVPs were:

•     Kelcie Meins, business administration major

•     Donovan Piña, engineering computer science major

•     Ezri Ei King, full stack development major

•     Virginia Gipson, business administration major

•     Andrew Rivero, engineering major

“This is an incredible showing for our students,” said Karen Boatman, Amarillo College Computer Information Systems Department chair and assistant professor. “To see them succeed at this level earning top placements, MVP recognition, and advancing to the next round speaks to their talent, determination, and the real-world skills they are developing at Amarillo College.”

Students were actively engaged in solving real-world problems. The Pantex Innovation Challenge provides hands-on experience tackling complex industry challenges, preparing students for careers in high-demand fields while connecting them with industry professionals.

Building on this year’s success, Amarillo College students are preparing to return to Pantex in November, where they will continue to showcase their skills on an even larger stage.