Palos 118 Students Win at 2022 Young Inventor Challenge

Fourth grade students from Palos School District 118 took home three awards at the 2022 People of Play Young Inventor Challenge.

Students from Palos East and West Elementaries participated in the event on November 19 at Radio Flyer Headquarters in Chicago. The program gives students ages 6 to18 an opportunity to develop and pitch their original inventions to toy and game companies and other industry professionals.

This year there were 3 award categories and Palos 118 students won in all 3 categories for the K - 4th junior division.

This year’s winners were Paula Juzenas from Palos West Elementary who won in the Best Game category for her game "The Flibbertigibbet”; Robert Fala from Palos East Elementary who won "Most Creative Game" for his "Flicking Village of Madness"; and Isabella Slack from Palos East who won for Best Pitch for her presentation of her game "Optimism for Autism."

The students developed their toys and games as part of the District’s Accelerated Learning Program for Students (ALPS). ALPS Teachers, Carrie Martinez and Julie McNamara, said student participation in the Young Inventor Challenge is invaluable.

“Students take initiative and risks to design and create an original toy or game, to test and refine their ideas, and to communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively in writing and in-person. Aside from being fun, engaging, and meaningful, the Young Inventor Challenge builds and reinforces sophisticated practices such as critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. These essential skills are needed to be successful in the 21st century and will enable students to meet the challenges of today's world,” they said.