Rose State College hosts successful 29th Annual Oklahoma Student Inventors Exposition Published February 27, 2018

Fifth Grade student Garrett Finchum of Poteau takes Grand Prize

Midwest City, Okla. – The 29^th Annual Oklahoma Student Inventors Exposition was held at the Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center Tuesday February 20, 2018. Nearly 200 young inventors, ranging in ages from K-12 took part in the half-day event. The expo was an opportunity for young Oklahoma inventors to show off their problem-solving, creative thinking, and critical thinking skills by creating inventions that solve everyday problems in our world.

The Julian Taylor Grand Prize went to Garrett Finchum, a fifth grade student at Poteau Upper Elementary School. Finchum’s invention, called the Safe-T-Desk, consisted of Kevlar lined panels that attach to student desks. The panels are attached via Velcro and can be removed in the event they are needed to be used as a shield.

The idea behind Finchum’s invention was for use in school in an active shooter situation.

“It is so exciting to watch these youngsters explain to the judges how their invention works. They don’t even realize they are utilizing critical thinking skills,” stated co-founder Betty J.C. Wright. “I just love getting to be a part of this event and watching as the future of Oklahoma – our children- blossom into young inventors.”

The wackiest invention was won by Jojo Hernandez from Kaiser Elementary in Oklahoma City. His invention was the Remote Control Toilet Seat Warmer. Some other entry inventions included the Exo Neuro Stimulator, the Kid Tracker, the Curve Alert, the Trash Taxi. All participating inventors received certificates and medals.

The Oklahoma Student Inventors Exposition officially began in 1989 as a brain-child of Inventor/Entrepreneur and business owner Julian Taylor and school teacher Betty J.C. Wright. Students in grades K-12 in public, private, Parochial, and homeschools are invited yearly to enroll in the Exposition free of charge. Throughout the years, Oklahoma Student Inventors Exposition has grown from a classroom of 26 students to an enrollment of 2500 young inventors throughout the State.