Bläk Walters
Bläk Walters
Bläk Walters
Bläk Walters
Ten Florida Conference Office of Education schools, with 105 students, gathered April 17, 2025, at AdventHealth Orlando to compete in InnovationX 2025. Now in its fifth year, InnovationX is a flagship program of the Office of Education’s Innovation Initiative, challenging students in grades 6–12 to develop authentic, real-world solutions using cutting-edge technologies and innovation frameworks.
This year’s top honor went to a team of seventh-graders from West Palm Beach Junior Academy: Ana Mendieta, Christy Dumerlus, and Uzzyah Moise. The trio was inspired by the sudden loss of their teacher, Lisa Ang, who died from a heart attack. In response, they developed a wearable heart monitor prototype — an emotionally driven and technically impressive solution that captured the spirit of InnovationX.
“Innovation hearkens back to the roots of Adventist education, a belief in the inherent dignity of the individual,” said Marliano Smith, principal of West Palm Beach Junior Academy. “In our schools, we must provide the opportunity for our students to pursue their God-given interests by providing a means where learning can be practically applied, in a way unique to each student, in honor of their Creator.”
More than 400 Florida Conference students participated in local InnovationX competitions hosted at their respective schools. The top teams received invitations to compete in the Conference-wide event. Each team was required to develop a working prototype, a compelling pitch deck, and a one-page business plan.
“I was truly amazed by the creativity and passion of the next generation,” said Mark Peterson, AdventHealth IT business relationship manager. “Learning about what the students care about and seeing their innovative projects to support their causes was incredibly rewarding. It was a privilege to support their growth as future leaders and innovators.”
These student innovators applied skills gained through the Office of Education’s Innovation Program, which cultivates Christian innovators by teaching design thinking, scrum, and the Lean Startup Method. Students also use advanced tools such as 3D printing, CAD, app development, and artificial intelligence.
Frank Runnels, Florida Conference vice president for education, reflects on the Bible’s calling to be like the Father in Heaven, and adds, “When children create, they are most like the Creator. InnovationX empowers our students to move beyond the obvious and engage with the unknown, where imagination and purpose intersect.”
InnovationX is structured into two divisions, the Discovery Division for first-year participants and the Explorer Division for multi-year innovators. Students compete at middle and high school levels across three categories: STEM+C Research (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computing), Social Innovation, and Entrepreneurship — demonstrating their creativity, technical skill, and commitment to solving meaningful problems.
Florida | August 2025
Comments are closed.