BARNEGAT – Forget Silicon Valley; the future of groundbreaking inventions might just be brewing within the classrooms of the Joseph T. Donahue School.
Under the guidance of Deanna Buccella, who teaches Gifted and Talented students, the entire fourth grade played a part in the school’s Invention Convention.
Bucella’s students eagerly took on the task of channeling their creativity into problem-solving solutions. They put together creative pitches, prototypes, and enough entrepreneurial spirit to get a nod from Mark Cuban himself.
The rest of the fourth grade was divided into two sessions, and had just enough time to listen to individual presentations on some truly unique products. As the “investors” arrived, Buccella gave them some instructions.
“You need to listen very carefully to their presentations,” Buccella said. “Their job is to sell you on investing in their invention.”
Stressing the serious nature of the Invention Convention, Buccella said the prospective investors should pick up a ticket from three of the inventors – and eventually whittle their choice down to one.
First place winner Nolan Nguyen unveiled his “Super Brush Deluxe,” designed to combat the age-old struggle of tangled hair. Inspired by his sister’s woes, Nguyen’s invention incorporated a spray bottle, transforming a regular brush into a detangling powerhouse.
For those seeking an athletic edge, Mason Bedrose’s “Ball Pitcher” offered the perfect solution. Designed to achieve the elusive perfect kickball pitch, Mason’s invention promised to revolutionize backyard games.
“My brother and I like to play kickball,” said Mason. “This makes it so that instead of it going over there (pointing), it gets the perfect pitch.”
Hair care appeared to be a challenge that needed a solution for another inventor as well. Third place winner Avery Glines tackled the challenge of keeping hair accessories in place during physical activity with her “Clip Tie.” This ingenious invention used a string attached to a hair tie to secure it through even the most vigorous gymnastics routine.
Beyond personal needs, Brady Shaw’s “Helpy Headphones” addressed the multitasking struggles of busy adults. Inspired by his mom’s demanding job, Shaw’s invention, while not a top-three winner, might be a reporter’s dream. It incorporated a notepad, writing instruments, an eraser, and even a pencil sharpener directly onto the headphones, ensuring the user always had the tools needed within easy reach.
From all accounts, the morning rounds of the Invention Convention were also filled with innovative solutions for common dilemmas. Matthew Budden took first place with The Cookie Cage, followed by Jaxon Hickey’s Kids Cleaner in second, and third place awarded to Charlotte Connair for her Musical Massagers.
With creativity, determination, and a touch of entrepreneurial spirit, these students are well on their way to leaving their mark on the world. One day the next household gadget or revolutionary invention may well be because of the lessons learned at the Donahue School.
