PALM COAST -- A team of Flagler Palm Coast High School students earned the top prize at an international Problem-Solvers competition for a program designed to track missing children.

Ten Flagler students won first place for Project DISK -- Digital Identification System for Kids. The kit is used to record kindergartners' portraits and personal data, which authorities can use to search for a missing child.

About 2,000 students from the United States, Russia, Australia and New Zealand competed in the contest, which took place June 3-6 in Louisville, Ky. Most of the American students belonged to gifted programs across the country.

Judges were impressed with Project DISK's public service and longevity, said Bill Delbrugge, Flagler Palm Coast High School's principal.

"This is something that can continue on forever," he said Wednesday.

The Flagler Palm Coast team became state champions in April with the DISK project, then went on to the international competition. The students are: Kristy Schoenfeldt, Josh Scaife, Lorn Hillaker, Alec Manfre, Matt Poliner,Taylor Douglas, David Poliner, Katie Douthwaite, Jordan Garrison and Kristen Hadeed.

-- Scott Wyland