Oswego Team A National Finalist In Samsung STEM Competition

OSWEGO, IL — A team of three Oswego East freshmen - Jensen Coonradt, Ethan Ashcraft and Gavin Rommen - has been named as one of 10 national finalists in the 11th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition thanks to its project the Viz Whiz, which helps the visually impaired navigate their environment.

The Solve for Tomorrow competition challenges students in grades 6 through 12 to use STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills to address local issues and inspire change in their communities. The competition features Samsung prize packages for the schools of the winners. There also is a public vote to determine the Community Choice awards for best presentation videos among the national finalists.

For reaching the finals, the Oswego East team has been awarded a $65,000 Samsung prize package for their school. They also have been invited to present their project virtually to live judges. The national winners get a $130,000 prize package for their school.

Previously, the group became the only team from Illinois to reach the competition's 75-team semifinals. For that accomplishment, they received a $15,000 Samsung technology and classroom resource prize package for Oswego East.

The Community Choice awards winners will receive an additional $15,000 for their schools. That voting can be done online, and individuals are permitted to vote once per day until May 3.

The Viz Whiz is a smart backpack that uses the principles of neuroplasticity to help the visually impaired sense their surroundings. The product features six ultrasonic sensors to detect distance and six servos to press into the user's back at varying intensities, allowing individuals to gather information about their surroundings without making contact with the objects around them.

"The amazing work of Jensen, Ethan and Gavin have completed is sure to bring them a great deal of success, while also paving the way in developing an innovative, real-world solution for community members in need," said Gina Korczak, an Oswego East teacher and the team sponsor. "The team's hard work, ambition and creativity throughout the competition has been truly remarkable and should be celebrated as they await national evaluation results from the Samsung judges."