Today’s Students Solving for Tomorrow
It’s not every day that you win $100,000.
But through the hard work of three students, Owensville High School recently won just that.
Paige Tayloe, Jonah Hoffman and Trey Fisher are part of the Owensville STEM class. These students are part of a unique team, geared toward learning science, technology, engineering and mathematics, that entered Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow contest. This national contest encourages students in grades six through 12 to develop technical solutions to problems facing their communities.
For their entry, the Owensville STEM team developed a type of steel lock to keep classroom doors secure in the event of an intruder. Working with their teacher, Kevin Lay, and professional engineers from LMI Aerospace in Washington, Missouri, these students modeled, tested and created an innovative lock that once installed on the interior of a door, would be difficult to undo from the other side. The hope is that this lock will keep students and teachers secure in their classrooms even if the door’s traditional lock was broken or disengaged. By reinforcing the door and placing an additional barrier to an intruder’s entry, this project aims to provide precious time to allow help to arrive, while discouraging intruders from entering the classroom by placing another roadblock in their way.
For all their hard work, the Owensville STEM team was one of three finalists to win the Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow contest grand prize of $100,000, beating entries from all across the country. What’s even more amazing about this level of achievement is that this is the first time Owensville has ever entered a contest like this, demonstrating the true capabilities of these students. The money earned will now be used for various school supplies and technology upgrades at Owensville High School. Another bonus to this project is that Gasconade County R-2, where the school resides, has discussed using the students’ lock in its classrooms.
I, along with Gov. Mike Parson had the great opportunity to meet with students involved with Owensville’s STEM Team this week in the Missouri State Capitol. They also brought with them several of their specialty designed locks that won them a $100,000 grand prize through Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow contest. Spending time with these students and seeing their successes only reinforces the need for capable young people to enter important STEM fields. With such bright futures ahead of them, I have no doubt in their ability to be the leaders and innovators of the future. Again, I congratulate these students on their hard work which will help keep schools safe and benefit their school for years to come. I look forward to seeing what the future holds in store for them.
Please feel free to contact my office at (573) 751-2076. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Bernskoetter.