Three iLEAD Academy students placed 10th in the nation for their patriotic creation in the Technology Student Association National Conference this summer.
Elijah Watson, Isaiah Watson and Gino Andrew were recognized for their accomplishment at the Carroll County Board of Education meeting last week.
The Watsons, who are twins, are Carroll County High School and iLEAD students. Andrew is an Owen County High School student.
The three worked together to design, print and detail a Liberty Rose. Initially, they each created some designs, but after determining the cost to produce, time to print and other factors involved in manufacturing prototypes, they settled on the Liberty Rose.
Gino said it took eight hours to design the Liberty Rose and another 12 hours to print it at iLEAD.
“It printed right the first time, so we got lucky,” he said. Some of the petals had to be printed twice because they broke. In the end, the Liberty Rose featured a red, white and blue rose that rests inside of larger rose petals which are adorned on the inside with patriotic images.
Gino said it took all six hands to hold the pieces together as they were attached.
The trio worked on this project during their iLEAD classes last year. They won the state competition and went on to place 10th on the national stage.
The Watson twins gave the presentation during nationals. The competition began with 100 projects and was narrowed to 12. “You have to make sure all the things are great because it’s the best of the best,” said iLEAD Director Jenna Gray.
This is the first time iLEAD has had a national finalist.