Event challenges students to come up with ideas that innovate

When Alejandro Muniz asked his audience if they like money and they enthusiastically responded 'Yes,' he had a sobering reminder ready.
'So does the government.'
Maintaining space vehicles is an expensive endeavor in the best of times, especially the Mars Rovers, which eventually run out of power during their missions, Muniz explained during the ECIER Foundation's Innvovation Showcase on May 29. If the rovers could self-maintain, however — perhaps by having self-cleaning solar panels, for example — the wear-and-tear could be lessened, and NASA could save itself — and therefore taxpayers — millions.
With his remote-control Perseverance Rover replica in tow, Muniz wowed the judges and took first place — with an award of $750 — in the showcase held at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster.
Thirteen students ranging from 8th grade to 12th grade brought a wide range of solutions to compete, ranging from Muniz's space solution to a wearable health device that would alert people to changes in their blood indicating blood cancers. Meleah Holloway, a senior at Israel School of Excellence in Gary, created a functioning website explaining her idea, which is geared toward hospitals and medical professionals, and would cost them $249.
'I've always had a passion for medical sciences, and I've lost people to cancer, so I zoned into (how it's treated),' Holloway said. 'I started out wanting to be a neurologist, but I went to Maryland and worked with other students on the Chemo Bot.'
Timerah Moore, an 8th grader at Israel School of Excellence, tapped into the fashion market with Knitting Gritty, crocheted handbags with a tight weave that make it impossible for your items to fall out. She offers the bag in two sizes and is able to whip one out in 30 minutes, she said.
'My little cousin taught me how; she came to stay over one time and brought her stuff, and I thought, 'That was crazy cool,' so I let my mind go with the flow and put my mind to work,' she told the audience. 'I love to see the smile on people's faces (when they purchase a bag) — especially since you don't want to spend $85.'
Marianna Owens and Autumn Staples partnered up and pitched a full-length 'virtual assistant' mirror that would scan a person's health and choose their outfits for the day, among other amenities. The two had blast working together.
'Communication is important, as is showing up for your partner,' Owens, a senior at West Side Leadership Academy, said. She and Staples placed second, while Braylen Chafen, a junior at East Chicago Central placed third.
Judges graded the students on their preparedness, presentation and product.
Earlier in the evening, the following ECIER students earned several thousand dollars worth of scholarships: Chafen, $4,000; Kennedi Edgington, $4,000; Cheyenne Whitt, $4,000; Holloway, $3,000; Jaydon Phillips, $3,000; Staples, $3,500.00; and Owens, $3,500.

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