HAFTR sophomores top all at Innovation Day

Three Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School sophomore captured first prize at the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education Innovation Day, at the New York Hilton in Manhattan on May 6.

Jordan Appel, David Lederer and Aidan Schechter teamed up to create an early warning leak detection system. The fully working prototype was viewed as a bona fide example of next-generation thinking. “It was inspiring to receive recognition and confirmation that our product could assist in every day lives,” Lederer said.

The students developed their project in the Scientific Technology course taught by Tom Liguori, under the guidance of HAFTR’s Director of STEM Innovation, Benjamin Gross. “David, Jordan and Aidan created a system that would send a text message to a homeowner if there was a leak or a flood detected in their home. said Rita Sinensky, chairwoman of HAFTR’s science department. “They used concepts that were taught in their engineering class to create this device.”  

Inspired by real-life events, Lederer’s home endured serious water damage, the project took on real meaning for him and his fellow students. “We realized water damage is a common issue that many Americans faced and wanted to provide a solution,” he said.

HAFTR High Principal Naomi Lippman said it’s an honor to partner with CIJE to offer the students a “unique learning experience.” “We are very proud of all our students’ accomplishments in the STEM program, and we extend warmest congratulations to David, Jordan and Aidan on their innovative, award-winning project,” she said, adding that the school looks forward to more innovation in the new state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering and Math lab next school year.

The conference, created by Jason Curry, president of CIJE, welcomed more 3,000 students, parents and judges from more than 100 day schools on that Sunday. HAFTR High School was represented by 70 students, who presented a total of 25 projects. CIJE is a leader in STEM education in the Jewish day school community, with hundreds of schools now participating in their program across the country. 

Lederer said the group had to be multi-faceted for their project to succeed. “The process of creating a ready for market product was an amazing experience that required us to learn many skills,” he said. “We had to learn advanced coding, marketing strategy, and 3D printing; all of which are very relevant in this day and age.”

 —Jeffrey Bessen