Torrance Refining Company (TORC) proudly introduces seven young South Bay inventors whose innovative creations received recognition at the National Invention Convention held in Michigan in June. Readers may recall the students’ journey began in the spring at the South Bay Regional Invention Convention, an event sponsored by TORC in partnership with the event host, Torrance Unified School District (TUSD), to foster students’ creativity, problem-solving skills, and education in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).
“We are truly excited to see our local students shine nationally and globally with their inventions,” said Jerry Forstell, Torrance Refinery Manager, “by exhibiting the same important skills we see demonstrated daily by our refinery workforce. We’re proud to be playing a part in these young people’s educational journey, knowing this experience will encourage our future workforce.
At the regional event, in which 165 students participated, 32 local students qualified for the state level competition. Out of this group, seven students received nine national awards, while one of them also qualified to participate in the global competition.
We congratulate the following winners:
These National Grade Level winners will be applying for patents for their inventions, while the Industry Sector Award and Specialty Award winners received a $200 cash prize. Meanwhile, other participants are using this experience as motivation to continue inventing.
Anza Elementary fourth grader Liam Matsukama, who received the Regional Energy Industry Award, said he was very honored by the experience. “Receiving this award has given me courage to study science even harder. I would like to learn more about the science that my invention involves, so that it will be easily available for those who need it,” said Liam.
received gave him so much motivation to study more and improve his innovative ideas. He may not have won at the state level, but he has grown so much from this experience, and gained more confidence and commitment to fully pursuing his ideas. I am so thankful to the TUSD and Torrance Refining Company for sponsoring the invention convention, which was such a great event for inspiring our kids to get involved in science at such an early age.”
Congratulations to all the South Bay student inventors! We look forward to discovering more bright inventors at future events. To see the full list of results and learn more about Invention Convention, please click here. To view the awards show, click here.
