Young Inventors Win Innovation Competition
Competing against more than 140 of their peers, several students at Graland Country Day School took home cash prizes for their winning inventions in the Gates Invention and Innovation Competition, now in its 20th year. The students were selected by an independent panel of judges – all respected professionals in the Denver community.
Top inventors were selected following the Gates Expo on Thursday, Mar. 5, where all students in this year’s program presented their ideas and prototypes to judges, faculty, parents, visitors and other students.
First Place, Grades 5/6: Sophie Freyer and Hadlee Wolf, “Safety Cut”
Second Place: Elle Guillot and Cate Whalen, “Suitcase Aid”
Third Place: Hugh Brophy, Nate Romo-Nichols, Josh Wolff, “Adjust-a-Brush”
First Place, Grades 7/8: Kate Hughes and Sophia Johnson, “Buckle Leash”
Second Place: Charlie May and Sam Weisberg, “Safe Step 2.0”
Third Place: Quentin Labbett and Julian Swett, “The 3MC”
Two past winners who recently completed the patent process were presented with a patent certificate for their 2016 invention, a magnetic zipper inspired by Parkinson’s patients. Using empathy to inspire new products is the foundation for the Gates Invention and Innovation Program.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
