Two ELCO students win SCHOTT Innovation Challenge with groundbreaking glass designs

Two ELCO students win national SCHOTT Innovation Challenge with ideas on glass

Two talented students from ELCO High School have been named first and second place winners of the prestigious SCHOTT Innovation Challenge, a national competition that empowers students to tackle real-world industry problems with creativity and innovation.

Tenth-grade students Adelina Wolfe and Aryana Haislip rose to the challenge with outstanding ideas that captured the attention of SCHOTT’s panel of judges. Adelina proposed biodegradable glass, a groundbreaking concept that addresses environmental sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry. Her idea reflects growing concerns around the ecological impact of packaging and offers an innovative solution that could revolutionize pharmaceutical glass products.

Aryana, meanwhile, designed self-darkening safety glass, inspired by the need for better protection in school settings. Her concept incorporates adaptive materials that adjust to lighting conditions, enhancing safety for students and teachers.

Both students exemplified the creative thinking, problem-solving and collaboration that the SCHOTT Innovation Challenge aims to cultivate. Their success not only highlights their individual talents but also reflects the strength of ELCO’s commitment to ensuring that every student graduates from high school ready to pursue their established postsecondary plan.

This exciting opportunity was sparked through Educator in the Workforce tours at SCHOTT Pharma — a global leader in pharmaceutical packaging. While on site, ELCO chemistry teachers learned about the Innovation Challenge and committed to presenting the opportunity to their classes, thus encouraging students to think critically and creatively — the skills and mindset they need to be the problem-solvers of tomorrow.