Students from Ottumwa Community School District made an impressive showing at the Iowa Invention Convention State Finals held at the University of Iowa, with multiple students earning top recognition among thousands of competitors from across the state.

Students were challenged to design and develop original inventions for the statewide competition. Fourteen students from Mrs. Lindsey Erlandson’s TAG (Talented and Gifted) class at Liberty Intermediate School advanced to the state finalist level.

Out of approximately 2,400 student projects submitted statewide, only 105 advanced to the state finals. Of those finalists, just 11 students advanced to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals—and three of them represent Ottumwa.

Ottumwa’s Liberty Intermediate School national qualifiers are:

Klaire Lane, Gavin Stout, and Charles Smith will represent Ottumwa at the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals in Dearborn, Michigan, in early June, held at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

McKinnley Reece (7th grade) and Naomi Marble (6th grade) both received honorable mention at the state level for their innovative projects.

Klaire Lane’s invention, Footy Life, is a device designed to support individuals under 18 with bunions, offering relief for those who cannot undergo surgery until they have finished growing. Gavin Stout’s invention, the GS Solo Stride, is an attachment for a crutch designed to assist individuals with prosthetic arms or hands, enabling improved independence and mobility. Charles Smith’s invention, the Hydrant B.L.A.S.T. (Bolt Loosening And Safety Tool), is a lightweight metal device designed to save valuable time during emergencies while also reducing the risk of injury to hydrant operators.

“I think Ottumwa truly showed up and did an amazing job,” said Mrs. Erlandson, in reflection on the students’ performance. “The creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance our students demonstrated at every level of this competition are something our entire community can be proud of.”

Ottumwa Community School District is proud of these students for their creativity, innovation, and dedication to excellence. Their success reflects the power of hands-on, project-based learning and the district’s ongoing commitment to helping every student “Be the Best.”