Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty Congratulates Two Connecticut Student Inventors on Being Selected for White House Science Fair

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) congratulated two Connecticut students who were chosen to take part in the annual White House Science Fair. The White House selected Lilianna Zyszkowski, 14, a student at Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, and Mallory Kievman, 16, of Manchester, as part of 100 students for the Science Fair. Zyszkowsi invented a series of products, including most recently the PillMinder, a pill cap that reminds users when to take their medication. Kievman invented Hiccupops, the world's first-ever lollipop to help suppress the hiccups.

"Congratulations to Lilianna and Mallory on this well-deserved recognition. Their inventions demonstrate the incredible creativity and innovation of our young entrepreneurs. Inspiring all of our students to excel in the STEM fields will help prepare the next generation of biologists, rocket scientists, robot-builders, and environmentalists who will change the world and the future of science," said Congresswoman Esty. Esty, a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, has made STEM education a priority in Congress.

"What is significant about this year's science fair is that there are actual inventors involved," says Helen Charov, executive director of the Connecticut Invention Convention. "Unlike other kids who came from the study of basic science, these two students have gone through an invention curriculum as a pathway to their innovations. These young inventors, being recognized by the White House, are a testament to the value and importance of creating inventions as the application of scientific inquiry."

President Obama hosted the first-ever White House Science Fair in 2010, noting then, "If you win the NCAA championship, you come to the White House. Well, if you're a young person and you produce the best experiment or design, the best hardware or software, you ought to be recognized for that achievement, too."

The White House Science Fair of 2015 will be held on Monday, March 23 at noon. The White House will also live stream the event.

Both inventors got their start with the Connecticut Invention Convention.

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