The creativity and ingenuity of East Side Elementary fourth-grader Jacoby Clemmons (pictured above with STEAM teacher Sharon Clark) have secured him the title of best in the state in a student design competition presented by the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN). We’ve followed closely since reporting in early Spring Jacoby’s advancement to the state finals.

The objective of the competition was to design and create a simulated product that “could change the world for the better” and whose profits “would be donated to create positive social change.” Additionally, students were tasked with developing a business plan and pitch for their product. Jacoby designed a sanitizing cannon whose function is to blast air-cleansing disinfectant, creating a more sterile environment at schools, businesses, parties – anywhere actually. “Clean air allows people to breathe more freely and confidently, ultimately creating a better life,” Jacoby shared of his STEAM invention.