Vandermont Teams Ignite Their Creative Spark at Make48!

Get ready for an explosion of innovation! The Make48 competition is back, and this season's first challenge promises a unique twist. Talented high school and middle school students from Vandermont and the surrounding area are gearing up to unleash their creativity in this 48-hour product development marathon. Adding to the excitement, each team will be guided by a mentor – not just any mentor, but an SMU Thrive Scholar!

This year's Make48 competition offers these young innovators a real-world experience in ideation. They'll learn what it takes to bring an idea from concept to reality in a high-pressure, time-sensitive environment. Imagine the brainstorming, the prototyping, the problem-solving – all packed into just three days!

Here's a look at the dynamic teams and their SMU Team Captains who will be leading the charge:

Those Guys: This team, comprised of Abe Goggans, Levi Payne, Gavin Shaw, will be working alongside their SMU Team Captain, Julian Oliva. Will they live up to their name and come out on top?

Those Guys: Gavin Shaw, Abe Goggans and Levi Payne

Tippy Toe Titans: Addie Walden, Grace Dorvil, and Kobe Palo will join forces with their SMU Team Captain, Serap Ogut. Will their innovative ideas help them tiptoe to victory?

Tippy Toe Titans: Addie Walden, Kobe Palo and Grace Dorvil

Three Musketeers: Autumn Jones and Kinley Dedrick, along with their SMU Team Captain, Sandra Futwi, are ready to take on the challenge. Will they conquer the competition with their combined strength and ingenuity?

Three Musketeers: Autumn Jones and Kinley Dedrick

Power Puff Girls: MK Austin, Faith Dorvil, and Ava Walden, guided by their SMU Team Captain, Makayla Blackwell, are bringing girl power to the Make48 stage. Will their combined talents create a product that packs a punch?

Power Puff Girls: Faith Dorvil, MK Austin and Ava Walden

Bolts & Brains: Malachi Goggans, Greyson Goggans, and Anthony Perea, along with their SMU Team Captain, Ryan Resendiz, are ready to spark some innovation. Will their brainpower and practical skills lead to a winning design?

Bolts & Brains: Greyson Goggans, Anthony Perea and Malachi Goggans

The Other Guys: Ben Goggans, Rylan Hagaman, and Liam Shaw will team up with their SMU Team Captain, Rahim Latreche. Will they emerge from the shadows and surprise everyone with their creativity?

The Other Guys: Rylan Hagaman, Liam Shaw and Ben Goggans

The 48-Hour Grind

For those unfamiliar with Make48, it's a fast-paced invention challenge where teams have just 48 hours to design, prototype, and pitch a brand new product. The clock is ticking from the moment the challenge is revealed, pushing participants to think quickly, collaborate effectively, and execute flawlessly. They have access to resources, mentors, and tools, but the pressure is on to deliver a winning concept.

The Make48 competition isn't just about having a good idea. Teams must navigate a complex process including; brainstorming and concept development; prototyping; design and engineering and marketing and pitching. It will be a true test of creativity, teamwork, and resilience.

This weekend will be an incredible opportunity for these young minds to learn valuable skills, connect with mentors, and experience the thrill of bringing an idea to life. Stay tuned to see which Vandermont team will emerge victorious!