What began as a class project at Governor Mifflin School District’s Brecknock Elementary has gained fourth graders a state title at the PA Invention Convention, a ticket to the RTX Invention Convention’s National Competition, and attention from a leader in the construction industry.
On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Brecknock Elementary students KayLeigh Haage, Hope McCallicher, Tierney Sanocki, and Faylee Stitzman, led by Brecknock Elementary librarian Rachel Sebastian and classroom teacher Adam Ricketts, presented their prototype, the Terra-Dri-Vator Pro, at the PA Invention Convention’s state competition in Hershey, PA and took home first place in the elementary division. The group was among 56 others representing top scoring projects from regional and virtual qualifying events, 17 of which were competing in the elementary division.
The Terra-Dri-Vator Pro is a proposed piece of construction equipment which tills, dries, and removes water vapor from soil. This piece of equipment, the students say, would be an all-in-one solution for the excavation process, allowing the soil to be quickly prepared for compaction without the use of chemicals.
Students discovered the need for such an invention while working with Schlouch Incorporated, a Berks County-based site planning and excavating company, on their fourth-grade project, the Brecknock Business Symposium. The Brecknock Business Symposium pairs classes with a local business in order to learn more about their industry, the careers available within their industry, and how they contribute to the local community and commerce.
During their time working with Schlouch Incorporated’s owner and founder, Barry Schlouch, the students learned about the multiple steps necessary to properly excavate land and were inspired to create an easier and more environmentally-friendly solution.
Projects like these, the district says, is a great example of Total Experience Learning® at work and the impact these methodologies make in their classrooms.
“The invention process is a great example of using relevant, hands-on learning,” said Ricketts,, “At Governor Mifflin, we are proud to facilitate learning experiences beyond the four walls of the classroom and the opportunity to connect with our community stakeholders.”
“Total Experience Learning makes me want to come to school,” added KayLeigh Haage, “I like learning about real-life problems and being able to find solutions.”
The students will represent their invention in the RTX Invention Convention national competition, which will be held June 3-5, 2026 in Dearborn, MI. Additionally, the students will have the opportunity to share their invention with representatives from Caterpillar, Inc. this month.
“I am so proud of our students,” said Dr. Nicole Pagan, Brecknock Elementary principal, “by championing student-led problem solving, our students aren’t just winning competitions, they are mastering the future of learning through authentic inquiry and perseverance. This achievement reflects how empowering young minds to solve real-world problems naturally fuels the motivation and interests of today’s learners.”
