Pallotti High School Wins Gold in Panama

A team of students from Pallotti High School returned home this evening from the 2023 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge in Panama with a gold medal. The team is comprised of Amber Wright, Alair Marin, Irian Jones and Osyani Magana. They won first place for their innovative creation called “Smartz”, a pair of glasses and mobility cane that alerts the visually impaired of surrounding objects. The Pallotti High School Team was selected from a group of nine thousand students from one hundred high schools across Latin America and the Caribbean. Here is what they told us when they arrived at the airport this evening.

Alair Marin

Alair Marin, Pallotti High School Student

“This experience was quite spectacular because none of us thought we would make it this far because we faced many difficulties but the fact that we made it this far we are quite proud to say that as a team we made it here and we are standing right where we are at the moment. We must thank God because without him none of this would have been possible and as we said we are proud of ourselves because we have seen growth, like growth has really improved. We went from knowing nothing to being all the way up here. So we are really proud.”

Paul Lopez

“How did it feel going against so many teams from across Latin America and the Caribbean?”

Alair Marin

“It was nerve wrecking because they had many creative ideas and we had some similar ideas as other teams. That did not stop us and bring us down. We tried to pefect what we did because we know our device could actually help. Our device goes by the name of Smartz it is is two piece set which is the Smartz Stick and Smartz Glass. These devices are used to detect objects in front of those who are visually impaired. The smart glass is used to protect the upper part of the body the other is used to protect the lower part. Walk us through the moment you guys found out you won and what went through your mind.”

Irian Jones

Irian Jones, Pallotti High School Student

“My mind went blank but we were very proud but we see this as an opportunity to do more for our people, our Belizeans and all the people around the world.”