The sixth annual Westerville City Schools Middle School Invention Convention Competitions were held throughout the month of March at each of the four middle schools. Sponsored by the Gifted Education Department and each middle school, students were invited to set up displays and be judged by a panel of distinguished educators, administrators, and community members. The top two scoring student inventions at each middle school will represent Westerville City Schools at the Central Region Invention Convention Competition which will be held on May 9 at the Columbus State Conference Center.
At the awards ceremony, first through third place prizes were given to each grade level as well as a Student’s Choice Award. Then, the top two overall inventions were named. The grand champions at each middle school were:
Blendon
Gabby Nichols – Grade 6 – “Stick that Bug”
Grace Bobel - Grade 8 – “Project Medfly”
Genoa
Kathryn Keefer – Grade 7 – “The Perfect Pointe”
Malia White – Grade 8 – “The Gripper”
Heritage
Matthew B., Grade 8 – “The Winter Cane”
Austin Yanichko – Grade 7 – “Cell Scope”
Walnut Springs
Grace Blanchong, Grade 7 – “Batter Up”
Jasmine Johnson, Grade 7 – “Shower Power”
During the past 19 years, the Invention Convention (www.just-think-inc.com) has been awarding college scholarships, while teaching children invaluable problem-solving skills, building self esteem, and rewarding their creativity.