Brooke students pitch inventions and win grant for food pantry

Five Brooke High School students pitched their inventions at a state contest, winning a $2,500 grant and a $25,000 donation for their school's Bruins Helping Bruins food pantry. The competition, part of the Mountaineers State Innovators Summit, took place at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, W. Va. , featuring ten high school teams. Each participant received a $100 Amazon gift card, and this was the first year the contest included middle and high school students.

The food pantry, operated by volunteers, provides crucial support to families in need, particularly during the holiday season. Volunteers are currently preparing Thanksgiving food baskets and collecting donations to maintain confidentiality for families seeking assistance. Community members are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items until December 12. Jason Rine, a WVU Extension agent, stated that the event collectively awarded over $300,000 to various participants. The students expressed pride in their hard work and commitment to developing their inventions.