Seventy eager innovators—grades 5-12— spent the weekend in pursuit of wild ideas during St. Luke’s fourth annual Hackathon.
St. Luke’s designLab Director Michael Mitchell describes the Hackathon as “time and space for students to learn and to create.” He observed that “so many of us have great ideas but rarely carve out the time to turn ideas into something real.” The 30-hour (participants stay on campus overnight) Hackathon gives emerging makers a chance to focus, collaborate and get creative.
Participants can learn from mentors that include St. Luke’s teachers and returning alumni. They also have access to resources many might not have at home including 3D and laser printers, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi. “The quality of the hacks and presentations was by far the best we've ever seen” said Mitchell. “Over 40% of the hackers were female. Next year we hope that’s 50% or higher.”
David Pakman, an Internet Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist at Venrock, is a St. Luke’s trustee and father of three students in grades 5, 8 and 11. Pakman helped Mitchell conceive and develop the Hackathon concept: “This event is St. Luke’s at its best. We’re building the skills kids needs for the future—leadership, technology, collaboration, and creativity. I love seeing children face the challenge of an unknown outcome. They learn from struggling with uncertainty. They rely on each other to solve problems. It’s very much like the real world.”
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View the Hackathon Photo Gallery.
In Photo, Hackathon Winners: ( L to R) "Nose Scratching Hat" by Middle School team Amanda Millar '22 , Kendall Bayliss '22 , and Keilan Rosow '22. "Secure Briefcase Hack" by Upper School team Connor Rosow '20, Jamie Ullman '20, and Marco Volpitta '20.
Find out what's happening in New Canaanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
St. Luke's is a secular private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5-12. St. Luke's mission is an exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead. St. Luke's Center for Leadership advances our mission by helping students develop exceptional leadership ability. A kind, inclusive community awaits you at St. Luke's.
Come visit St. Luke's! A Welcome Wednesday will be held on January 31.
