Five students from Brooke High School recently shone at the Robin Hayhurst High School Pitch Competition. They not only earned $2,500 to develop their invention ideas but also secured a generous $25,000 donation for their school’s food pantry, Bruins Helping Bruins.
Each student, part of two teams, also received a $100 Amazon gift card. Their competition took place at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia, as part of the Mountaineers State Innovators Summit, a collaborative event led by the Hayhurst family, WVU Extension, and the WVU Morris L. Hayhurst Launch Lab.
Jason Rine, a Brooke County WVU Extension agent, highlighted that this was the first year students could pitch their ideas. In previous years, only businesses had competed. The event has gained traction, with over $300,000 awarded to various participants this year, including local entrepreneurs.
The donation to Bruins Helping Bruins left the pantry volunteers emotional, as they prepare Thanksgiving baskets for needy families. They work discreetly to ensure students can access help without feeling embarrassed. Recently, a local parent donated 11 turkeys and a truckload of food to support their efforts.
Chad Haught, the teams’ teacher, praised the students for their dedication. They faced judges from diverse fields and prepared meticulously for their presentations. One team created a safety device for chainsaw users, addressing kickback incidents that can cause serious injuries. “There have been hundreds of deaths from it,” said team member Gavin Scott, who learned about the dangers from his father. Their aim is to patent this life-saving device.
The other team focused on a golf training aid designed to help players improve their swings. They are in the process of patenting their idea as well. Both groups practiced intensively, even anticipating potential judge questions.
Principal Eric James expressed pride in the students and the support garnered for Bruins Helping Bruins. “It was wonderful to see the look on the volunteers’ faces during the donation,” he said. The community is invited to contribute non-perishable food items to the pantry through December 12.
This competition not only inspired student innovation but also strengthened community ties, showing how collaborative efforts can make a meaningful impact. The creativity and determination of these young inventors serve as a reminder of the positive change that can happen when youth invest in their communities.
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Local News,Brooke students pitch inventions and win grant for food pantryNews,Brooke students pitch inventions and win grant for food pantry
