Indiana Area School District students showcased their creativity and innovation at the inaugural PA Keystone Competition on October 14. At the start of the event, teams were challenged to design a change that would benefit all Pennsylvania schools. Using materials such as cardboard, tape, popsicle sticks, straws, and other craft supplies, students brainstormed, built prototypes, and presented their ideas in a Shark Tank-style pitch to a panel of judges.
- Eisenhower Elementary (Grade 5): Nathan Pease, Alexandra Ludwig, Josephine Wrenn, William Janetski, and Amos Whitacre, developed the Food Conveyer, a conveyor belt addition to the school lunch system designed to improve efficiency and reduce wait times.
- High School Team (Grades 9–12): Carter Cortazzo, Chase Higee, and Rowan Woods placed third with Auto Café, an innovative system designed to speed up school lunch lines.
- Junior High Team (Grades 7–8): Adrian Shively, Rowan Wright, and Harlan Vick earned second place for SCIS, a concept that provides students with more voice and choice in school clubs.
- Junior High Team (Grades 5–6): Clara Stants, Molly Du Plessis, Michaela Jones, Grant Rosendale, and Avery Schneider took first place with Smart Locker, a fingerprint-access locker that helps reduce stress and keep students on time.
Congratulations to all participants for their teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills — They represented IASD with excellence!