Judges at the Salem International University Drone Competition were amazed at the ingenuity that Harrison County ninth grade students displayed on March 24. The group of students participated in an intensive three-day drone academy in November 2017.  They were given four months to develop an invention for drone use and an option to recruit a partner for the final competition.

 

“In the Drone Institute, we had the opportunity to learn about how drones are being used in business, medicine, engineering and more and we were able to work with some of the professionals who use them on a regular basis,” said Bridgeport High School Freshman Dakota Swiger.

 

Dr. Javaid Syed, Director of the Drone Institute and Competition, arranged for a group of university students to mentor the high school students during the development of their ideas. 

 

“Through the partnership with Harrison County Schools, we are hoping to encourage students to examine new ways of thinking about drone use and to show them how drones and STEM technology is relevant in the future of daily and professional life,” said Syed.  “Drones can improve efficiency and productivity and improvements are being made on them to extend battery life, functionality and practicality.”

 

The final competition took place on March 24 at Salem International University and Bridgeport High School students took two of the top three honors. Freshmen Molly Runner and Corinne Lalama placed first in the competition with their idea of a biodegradable drone embedded with seeds.

 

“Our idea was to create a biodegradable drone embedded with seeds that could safely send food to areas affected by famine and war,” said Lalama.  “As the drone dissolves into the ground, the seeds would provide a long-term solution to their needs.”

 

First place received a $5000 scholarship to Salem International University and $250 in cash prizes.

 

Third place went to BHS Freshman Dakota Swiger and BHS Senior Carlie Crayton, who were inspired to develop an idea based on service animals.

 

“There are limitations to what service animals can do and with drone technology, we decided to create programmable drones that could aid those needing medical assistance,” said Crayton.  “As the technology evolves, we see it improving the lives of the disabled by providing ongoing assessments of their needs and performing necessary tasks for them.”

 

“The judges, university students and faculty were all very impressed with the ideas presented at the competition,” said Syed.  “We hope to continue the Drone Institute next year and provide opportunities to Harrison County students so that they can continue to be on the cutting edge of technological and educational developments.  They are our future and their ideas are innovative and creative, which will no doubt contribute to the ever-evolving use of drones.”