The third annual Valero Meraux Invention Convention, a competition among 5th graders in St. Bernard Parish, concluded in mid-May.
Students either invented new items or innovated existing items to solve a real-life problem. These fifth graders represented the following schools: Davies Elementary, Lacoste Elementary, Gauthier Elementary, Lynn Oaks School, Chalmette Elementary, Our Lady of Prompt Succor School, Arabi Elementary and Smith Elementary.
Valero would like to congratulate the following winners: 1st place Sydney Derouen from Lacoste Elementary for the “All in One Doll Organizer,” 2nd place Nathan Doucet from Joe Davies Elementary for the “Self-watering Plant System” and Shelby Roussel from Lacoste Elementary for the “Mess-free Cupcake Cover.”
Valero provided volunteers who served as judges. Others from the community volunteered their time as well. Special thanks to all of the schools, the St. Bernard Parish Government, the Kiwanis Club, and members of local businesses who supported this event as well.
“As in previous years, we had a blast interacting with the kids and we enjoyed tremendously seeing the great ideas they come up with. They truly offer a different perspective on solving real-life problems and we hope they continue to see life from a problem-solving perspective,” said Mariana Williamson, Valero Planning Superintendent and Invention Convention Coordinator.
