Two area students win awards at National Invention Convention

Two North Idaho youths shined at the National Invention Convention May 20-21 in Washington, D.C., where they received awards for their innovative creations.

Skyway Elementary School third-grader Zachary Linford, 8, earned the "Environmental/Green Award" for inventing "The Hawksbill Hatchling Helper," which is designed to help baby hawksbill sea turtles find their way to the ocean. The hawksbill turtle is critically endangered, and Zach is on a mission to change that by using a special lighting system to lead the hatchlings where they need to go. Habitat destruction and manmade lights have made it difficult for the little turtles to find their way.

"The most difficult part was doing all the research and writing," Zach said. "I never thought I could beat all the older kids. It was also cool that so many people saw my invention. Maybe one of them will actually be able to help the sea turtles."

A less-than-enjoyable portable toilet experience inspired North Idaho STEM Charter Academy sixth-grader Joshua McKenna to invent the "Porta Potty Survival Kit," which is a small biodegradable bag filled with Porta Potty essentials such as wet wipes and toilet paper. He has already sold about 600 kits, which he packages himself.

His creative display caught the eyes of judges, who honored him for thinking outside the box. His clever display was in the shape of a Porta Potty mounted on a turntable so all sides containing information could be easily seen.

"My teacher recommended us not to use display boards, so I was like, 'OK, I’m not going to do that,'" he said. "It's awesome. I can't believe I was the only one to have a special display at my school, at regionals, at state and in Washington, D.C."

The boys began their journeys with their school Invent Idaho competitions, which had an environmental theme this year, and advanced all the way to nationals. They are two of only six Idaho students who received major awards. More than 240 student inventors grades third through 12th participated in the inaugural National Invention Convention, which was created by the STEMie Coalition.

Invent Idaho president and co-founder Beth Brubaker said Josh’s display was a winner because of how unique the "lazy Susan-type turntable" format was. She said what’s impressive about his invention is his "entrepreneurial spirit.”

"He has done all of the math to calculate his price per item and his profit, as well as revised his own invention to include biodegradable baggies as containers" she said. "He is an entrepreneur."

Regarding Zach’s invention, Brubaker said it includes an incredible amount of research.

"It is heart-warming to see such a young boy care so much about this endangered creature," she said. "His concept is so creative in his approach to entice the hatchlings to the ocean with a special lighting system. I would love to connect Zachary with a real turtle researcher so he could test his hatchling light system in the real world."