Tolland students honored at Board of Education meeting for Connecticut Invention Convention achievements

The Tolland Board of Education paused its agenda to honor sixth‑grade students who competed in the Connecticut Invention Convention. Superintendent Dr Willet and board members introduced winners from TMS and praised the district’s engineering and design curriculum for fostering critical thinking, perseverance and hands‑on problem solving.

Miss Leman, who introduced the students, said the Invention Convention “provides opportunities for students to think critically by identifying problems in their world” and described the program as a flexible, hands‑on curriculum that supports multiple prototype iterations and public presentations. She noted several students earned awards at state finals and will advance to national events.

Students described their projects during the recognition. Arnia Dongre was introduced as the Society of Women Engineers award winner for a prototype she called a “splatter shield.” Evan Overton earned the Lincoln Financial Foundation Award for a self‑heating “solar mug,” which he said is intended for outdoor use: “It’s pretty much a self‑heating mug that uses solar energy…in case you ever get lost in the woods or camping.” Olivia Santangelo presented an “anti‑anxiety dog bed” and Cheney Woo described a “spectacular shoe dryer” designed to speed drying for runners.

Board members and the chair commended the students, families and teachers. The chair noted the invention program raises expectations and praised staff for empowering students to apply STEM and entrepreneurial skills. No formal action was required; the recognition was delivered as part of the meeting’s acknowledgements and community engagement.

The board moved on to scheduled business after the presentation.