Invention Convention Update: Acera Students at Invention Convention State Finals

by Emily Stefanich, Lower School Coordinator and Lower School Core Classroom Teacher

In mid-April 2026, three Acera students participated in the Massachusetts Invention Convention State Finals, held at Hopkinton High School. Lower School students Paige D. (Room 5) and Arielle M. (Room 5) and Upper School student Aadhira S.(Room 2) proudly represented Acera at this highly competitive event.

Students were organized into age-based Invention “Circles,” where they presented their ideas to judges from across STEM industries. Each circle included 5–6 inventors and 2–3 judges. Students shared their inventions, explained their design process, and responded to thoughtful questions. Judges then deliberated, scored each project, and selected award recipients.

Arielle, for her Reusable Warm Huggy Boots, was awarded a medal and certificate in recognition of reaching the State Finals – an impressive accomplishment.

Paige, for her Automatic Multi-Diet Hermit Crab Food Dispenser, was awarded a medal and certificate in recognition of reaching the State Finals and also received an invitation to represent Massachusetts in the U.S. National Innovator Challenge, an honor extended to top scorers in each division!

Aadhira, for her Pathoscan AI Tool, was awarded a medal and certificate in recognition of reaching the State Finals and was also awarded the Hologic Innovation in Medical Technology Award. Additionally, she was invited to represent Massachusetts at the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, which will take place this June at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan!

Congratulations to these incredible innovators—we are so proud of their creativity, persistence, and impact!