The fourth annual Westerville City Schools Middle School Invention Convention was held at Walnut Springs on Wednesday, April 10. Nearly 30 students set up displays and were judged by a panel of distinguished educators, administrators, and community members. At the conclusion of the event, four pupils and their inventions were chosen to advance to the 18th annual Columbus Invention Convention, where they will compete at Columbus State Community College on Saturday, May 18. They are:
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Trinity Trimble, Blendon, Sit n Dry;
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Lara Detrick, Genoa, Sticky Stand;
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Kaylee Showalter, Genoa, Stick-It; and
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Kyra Freeman, Genoa, Arthur Gloves.
Brian Gainer, a past Ohio Invention Convention participant and current junior at Westerville North High School and Fort Hayes was also on hand to judge and share his experience as a trademark holder and inventor of a clothing line. He offered advice to the budding inventors and assisted at the awards ceremony.
During the past 17 years, the Invention Convention has been awarding college scholarships, while teaching children invaluable problem-solving skills, building self esteem, and rewarding their creativity. Currently, the State of Ohio is divided into three regions – Miami Valley, Cleveland, and Columbus. Past participants have appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, on Nickelodean’s Figure it Out, on Maury Povich, and on local news programs. More than $300,000 in college scholarships have been given to date.