Naugatuck Students Take Home Awards at Invention Convention

A group of science students at took home high awards during the annual Connecticut Invention Convention last week.

It’s the first time the fifth- and sixth-grade students have excelled to that level, according to teacher Maria Ryan. There were 680 entries in this year’s 29th annual competition, which was held on Wednesday at University of Connecticut, including 15 Cross Street students.

All were judged by a panel that included engineers, lawyers, business owners, professors and scientists.

The award were presented at the end of the day, and five Naugatuck students were recognized by companies and businesses for their innovations. Here are students with their awards:

Grade 5

Jessica Dooley – Group Award, Stanley Black & Decker Award, Innovation Award and Materials Award.

Nipa Latif – Group Award (competed against 10 entries)

Jacob Corbo – Group Award (competed against 10 entries)

Nicole Mercers – Microsoft Accessibility Award

Grade 6

Ajay Patel – Connecticut Science Fair Award, Technology Award, Group Award.

See the attached pictures for snapshots of some of the inventions.

Cross Street school officials called the convention a culmination of the students’ scientific studies and problem-solving skills.

“The process is student-generated, which officers an opportunity for all to express their creativity and innovation,” said staff member Laurie Taf Jackson, who is also a burgess in Naugatuck. “Preparing, building and displaying their inventions enhances each student’s communication and research skills while at the same time, builds their self-esteem.”

At least two students, Ricky Barrett and Amanda Stevens, both said they now want to attend UConn after seeing what the school offered during the convention.

Teachers Lorraine Marzinotto, Nicole Swan and Maria Ryan coordinated the students' entries into the convention.

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