Local students receive Western New York Invention Convention awards
TROY, N.Y. » Three La Salle Institute middle schoolers were recently recognized for their innovative inventions that present new ways to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
Eighth graders Brendan and Patrick McNaughton took first place in the Grade 4-8 category at the virtual Western New York Invention Convention and were named “Inventors of the Year” for their “TieMask” that integrates a protective face mask into a necktie. The convention’s awards ceremony was held virtually on May 29.
They will advance their invention to the national Invention Convention, which is traditionally held at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Mich., but will be conducted virtually this year. There will be 445 inventors in grades K-12 competing, and the awards ceremony will be held on July 2.
Also recognized with an honorable mention was seventhgrader Raffaele Lombardi, whose “Handy-Sani Pen” integrates hand sanitizer into a working pen, allowing access to always-available disinfectant.
La Salle Institute Middle School Science Teacher Dan Maloney presented his seventh- and eighth- grade students with the opportunity to participate in the Invention Convention as a way to apply the STEM principles he teaches in the classroom to develop creative, real-world solutions.
The Western New York Invention Convention’s mission is to develop and enhance creative thinking and problem-solving skills in children in grades K-8 through the processes of invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship while encouraging interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
“I’m extremely proud of the initiative demonstrated by all of our middle school students; they all came up with innovative ideas. I am very proud of Brendan, Patrick, and Raffaele in developing their inventions, and especially want to recognize them for focusing their efforts on solving the immediate problems the entire world is currently facing. These recognitions are certainly well deserved,” Maloney said in a press release.
“At La Salle Institute, we’re committed to building the leaders of tomorrow, and I’m pleased to not only see our Cadets put their STEM learning into action, but also to do so in a way that aims to address issues related to COVID-19. These Cadets are instilling the values that we teach every day, and I wish Brendan and Patrick the best as they participate in the national Invention Convention this summer,” La Salle Institute Principal Joseph Raczkowski added.
The independent, Catholic college preparatory school has conducted coursework and admission activities online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Miriam Kelley of the Western New York Invention Convention said organizers were thrilled when Maloney approached event organizers about having La Salle Institute students participate in the virtual event.
“Given that there was no other outlet for those students during the NY State Pause and the fact there would be no travel involved, our Board thought this would be
a great opportunity for the school, as well as its area in general, to be exposed to the Invention Convention,” she said in the release. “We’re very proud of all of our students and wish Patrick and Brendan good luck in the National Invention Convention!”