March 2022 – Collinsville High School seniors James Metcalf and Jacob McChristian are finalists in the 2021-22 Celebrating High School Innovators (CHSI) Innovation Showcase and Pitch Competition. Kahok Nation can help by voting for their project.
Through March 29, 2022, our community can support them by casting an online vote for their project. Metcalf and McChristian are team #46 JM Assistive Technologies. Use THIS LINK . You can vote daily and on multiple devices.
The duo designed a wheelchair attachment that makes it possible for a person to have full access to both hands while transporting items. The inspiration was CUSD 10 educational assistant Robert Reidelberger.
Reidelberger explains how the innovative concept has made him more efficient at work and helps in his personal life, too:
“My job requires me to make a lot of copies along with helping students. [Previously] I was carrying the copies in one hand and pushing my wheelchair with the other. Since the boys have given me the basket to use, it has not only increased what I am able to do at work at a faster pace, but I also can use it in my personal life with groceries and laundry around the house. I can tell you it has greatly improved things that took me longer to do and were more difficult.”
Watch Metcalf and McChristian explain the process behind their project:
Metcalf and McChristian will compete in the Illinois CHSI Finals April 8-9, 2022, at Illinois State University.
Celebrating High School Innovation’s purpose is to “identify, foster, and celebrate high school innovators in the world (grades 9-12) whose contributions are exceptional or inspirational. CHSI strives to support the innovative interdisciplinary curricula designed to foster student initiatives.”