Palos 118 Students Take Home Awards at 2024 Young Inventor Challenge

Students from Palos School District 118 took home five awards at the 2024 Young Inventor Challenge held in Rosemont in November.

The fourth grade students in the Accelerated Learning Program at Palos East and Palos West Elementary Schools participated in the competition in the junior (K - 4th grade) junior division and won awards in 5 of 6 categories.

This year’s winners included: Elliott Anderson from Palos West who won for Best Pitch for his game Aliens vs. Cows; Richard Lee and Claire Drapa from Palos East who won for the Most Innovative category for their game Makenix; Hyacinth Speropoulos from Palos East who won for the Most Original category for her game Spladder; Nate Tellone from Palos East who won for Most Marketable for his game Chopstick Chef; and Livie Scheetz from Palos West who won Best Potential for her game Smack It.

The Young Inventor Challenge provides an opportunity for students ages 6 to18 to develop and pitch their original inventions to toy and game companies and other industry professionals.

The students developed their toys and games as part of the District’s Accelerated Learning Program for Students (ALPS) which is taught by Palos East Elementary teacher Julie McNamara and Palos West Elementary teacher Erin Gocke.

Both teachers remarked that their students’ participation in the Young Inventor Challenge is an invaluable learning experience as they get a chance to take an original idea and develop it into a working game. They said that the game challenge reinforces practices such as critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and leadership which they note are key skills for future success.

“I’m so proud of all the Palos 118 winners and participants in this year's Young Inventor Challenge,” said Mrs. McNamara.

“Their innovative game inventions demonstrate the impact of STEAM education, critical thinking, and the benefits of self-motivated learning. This experience not only inspires creativity but also builds skills that will shape their future.”

“I was truly inspired by the creativity and resilience displayed by the students who participated in the Young Inventor Challenge,” said Mrs. Gocke, adding, “Their collaboration and teamwork were impressive as they refined their ideas together. It was incredible to witness their confidence blossom while presenting their games to the judges and celebrating each other's achievements.”