A team of Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical students presented a WSLA/WBLA design‑challenge project Wednesday night proposing a 6,000‑square‑foot urban aquaponics farm intended to increase affordable, local access to fresh produce and fish.

Mark Despeshner, the student team lead, and teammates Oliver McCarthy, Aiden Simmons, Christian Carlton, Maya Zapkowski and others described a plan that pairs vertical farming and aquaponics with solar power and generator backup. “Our solution,” the presentation said, “is an urban farm dedicated to solving [food affordability and accessibility] problems.” The students described four 2,000‑gallon fish tanks (one a nursery), stacked vertical growing racks, a greenhouse with slanted roof exposure, composting and an on‑site farm stand for direct sales.

The team outlined a community supported agriculture (CSA) plan with monthly and biannual membership options and 100 total “shares,” with an initial block of 50 biannual membership spaces and an on‑site pickup model. They said the group aims to accept SNAP benefits and HIP, noting that is “not commonly done in Lowell.” Financial figures presented included a project estimate of $100,000 and a reported, lower current spending figure of about $52,000 for infrastructure in the team’s prototype/budget work; the team said annual operating staff costs were estimated between $47,000 and $62,000 and projected CSA income between $62,000 and $87,000 depending on enrollment.

Robin Tillum, the school's math instructor and the students’ faculty coordinator, told the committee the school has partnered with WBLA for three years and that students have completed virtual internships and design projects through the program. The students credited industry partners, citing help from Mill City Grows and regional engineering firms as well as school teachers who provided expertise and mentoring.

Committee members asked for clarification about siting and scale; the students said the 6,000‑square‑foot plan assumed an empty lot downtown but that a scaled version could be adapted to school property if opportunities arise. One committee member praised the team’s performance and the real‑world experience the competition provides. The superintendent and several board members congratulated the students on winning their state competition and representing the district.

The presentation concluded with an invitation for questions and a pledge from the administration to explore potential local partnerships but no formal district commitment to build the project was made during the meeting.