Naugatuck Youths Win Awards at Invention Convention

Cross Street School student Keeley Lyons didn’t have to too far to think up an invention. All she had to do was think of her grandpa.

“I invented a cell phone pocket hat,” said Smith, a fifth-grade student. “So that way when my grandpa’s phone rings he can hear it better next to his ear, compared to when it’s in his pocket.”

Lyons’ idea was just one of 606 entries at the 28th Annual Invention Convention at UConn’s Gampei Pavilion last week. She was also one of six grade 5 students at Cross Street to partake in the convention — the others being Olivia Grella, Jacob Smith, Sarah Viele, Nicholas Sandore and Marina Sounanthanam.

Each of the students came up with their own inventive idea that they showcased during the massive even. At the end of it Grella, Smith and Viele were three of the 183 students recognized for their inventions at the event on May 14.

“I was pretty nervous because of all the judges and all the kids,” Smith said. His invention was the “SGS,” which stands for Street Grass Sled — or a sled with wheels and steering capabilities that can be used beyond the winter months.

But while each said they were nervous, they all said they enjoyed the event and felt “special” being the first students from Naugatuck to go.

Lorraine Marzinotto, fifth-grade teacher who lead the group during the event, said Cross Street will definitely take part in the convention next year, possibly inviting more grade 5 students.

Students and Inventions

• Jacob Smith — “SGS” Street Gras Sled, a sled that can be used in the summer on grass.
• Nicholas Sandore — Baseball bat with carbon paper intended to make a mark when it hits a ball.
• Keeley Lyons — Cell phone pocket hat, which allows for Lyons’ grandpa to hear his cellphone close to his ear.
• Sarah Viele — “Bright Book;” a mechanism that will brush up against a deer that walks into, and out of, a yard, so it is painted with reflective paint. “So when they come out (at night) you see them,” she said.
• Olivia Grella — The “Sandcatcher 5000,” which is a tiny hand shovel that prevents a toddler from throwing sand.
• Marina Sounanthanam — A cutting board with holes on each end, and adjusters to allow smaller/larger bowls, to clamp on the end. The idea is when cutting an item, push the sliced parts into the bowl.