Katylin Sweeney, Miss Ohio Junior Pre-Teen, won first runner-up honors in the University of Akron Polymer Academy’s Young Inventor Contest.

Katylin Sweeney, National American Miss Junior Pre-Teen Queen, won first runner-up honors in the University of Akron Polymer Academy’s Young Inventor Contest.

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OhioKatylin Sweeney, Ohio Junior Pre-Teen, won first runner-up honors in the University of Akron Polymer Academy’s Young Inventor Contest. This is a national contest with more than 600 gifted students from 24 states in grades 5-8 participating. The objective is to use your creativity and scientific know how to invent something that incorporates rubber bands and can make a significant and positive impact. Katylin’s entry was a life size sculpture of a girl in a dance stretch. She named her sculpture Stretcharella. Here is her essay to accompany her invention.

Katylin Sweeney – Grade 5 – Stretcherella

Rubber bands are the perfect metaphor for becoming your best self; they stretch to reach their full potential but always remember their original shape. Said more simply, I believe you should stretch to reach your dreams but remember who you are! Spreading this message is Stretcherella’s mission. I created her so together we could make this statement to the world in a very memorable way. Stretcherella is covered in rubber bands. They are perfect because they are a significant symbol in the overall meaning. Stretcherella is meant to be an inspiration, an unforgettable image that pulls at your heart and urges you to stretch for whatever you dream of but still be yourself.

From a science standpoint Stretcherella’s anatomy matches that of the human body, a balloon skeleton, a newpaper musuclar system and rubber band skin.

National American Miss JR. Pre-Teen Miss Ohio and nationally recognized inventor – that is one well rounded young lady!! For more information on the contest you can visit www.rubberbandcontest.org.