Last Friday, May 5, Pioneer Elementary held its second annual Shark Tank event, where students get a chance to propose their innovations to a group of panelists for prizes. 

Shark Tank is the brainchild of Pioneer’s Innovation Specialist Justin Towner, who teaches 3D Print and Design to all K-5 students at the school. All fourth and fifth grade students created prototypes to solve problems they see in the world. Thirty students submitted their designs to Shark Tank, and Pioneer staff members voted for the top five. Those five finalists then participate in the Shark Tank event. 

This year’s finalist were; 

• Quinn G. with her Dog Treat Pack;
• Ella J., Penelope B., and Ellia C. with their Flower Pot Key Holder;
• Jeremy N. with his Pet Car;
• Katy S. and Abigail G. with their Portable Utensil Weight and; 
• Piper S. and Sydney A. with their Magnet Soccer Ball.

Inventions are judged on use and benefits, the problem it solves, the design prototype, and the students’ presentations. This year’s Shark Tank judges, AKA “Sharks,” were; 

• PSD Superintendent Krestin Bahr;
• PSD Board President Natalie Wimberley;
• Owner of Engitype John Savage;
• Application Engineer for Engitype Diego Opalka; 
• Head of Publishing at Rec Room Mike Schmid; and
• Owner of Harbor Nest in Gig Harbor Amy Flippo.

This year’s event was also sponsored by Ocean 5, Big Nate’s Trading Cards, Rec Room, and Round Table Pizza, which all donated prizes for the finalists. 

After each finalist presented their video and design, they were questioned by the Sharks. This year, the sharks voted for Jeremy N.’s Pet Car design, which was created to help disabled pets move around their home without the assistance of their owners. 

All the finalists were given a prize from the sponsors, and Jeremy N. was given the Shark Tank winner title. Congratulations Jeremy! 

Watch Jeremy N.’s video about his Pet Car design below.