Thomas Edison, step aside. 5th grader Tori Thomas has built a walker for the elderly using all recycled materials. She won the school “Invention Convention” and heads to the state championships next month. Patch sat down with this budding inventor to talk about her interests and making the transition to middle school.
What is the best thing about the Invention Convention?
It’s a good way to get kids off of being home all the time and being bored. Kids want to invent things and this is a great way to get kids to understand how to make things. If you believe in yourself, your dreams can come true!
Find out what's happening in New Londonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What kind of invention did you make?
I made a walker that’s also a toy. It’s basically to help people walk better. There’s a bookshelf on the bottom to carry around books and things. It can also be used by kids who want to slide around on it [it has wheels] with adult supervision, of course.
Find out what's happening in New Londonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
How do you feel about going to state?
It feels awesome! I was really happy. When I got first place at the school I ran out of the cafeteria and gave everyone who helped me a big hug. It was the best thing that’s ever happened to me…besides being born.
What is your favorite subject?
Gym. But if Invention Club was part of school I’d probably pick inventing.
How do you feel about going to middle school next year?
Disappointed. I’m going to miss all of the people. I won’t be able to see any of my teachers. I don’t want to get old!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a lot of things, but especially an inventing modeler. If you’re an undercover cop and you go into a store to find out if they’re selling pirated DVDs or beer to underage kids, you can hide the microphone and equipment under your clothes without looking fat and giving yourself away. Another thing I’d like to make is X-ray goggles.
What do you do after school and on weekends?
I spend time with my mom. I also find new ways to play. I really like getting outside and playing on the swings with my dog.
What an imagination! We look forward to seeing Tori’s name on future inventions and expect her to win numerous inventing awards. At 10 years old, Tori has many years of inventing to go. We wish her luck at the Invention Convention state championships!
