8th Grader Finishes Top 5 in Trash to Treasure US Design Competition Invents Drain Coil

Eighth grader Sophia Viggiano of Alexandria, VA became a top five finalist in the national PBS Trash to Treasure design challenge. The competition sought out kid-designed innovations that re-purposed at least two types of trash.

Alexandria, VA — Eighth grader Sophia Viggiano of Alexandria, VA became a top five finalist in the national PBS “Trash to Treasure” design challenge. The competition sought out kid-designed innovations that re-purposed at least two types of trash for either: moving people; playing an indoor or outdoor game; or protecting the environment. Held by PBS’s award-winning TV show Design Squad, “By Kids For Kids,” and sponsored by Intel Corporation, the competition sought out kid-designed innovations that re-purposed at least two types of trash for either: moving people; playing an indoor or outdoor game; or protecting the environment. Designed for the “protecting the environment” category, Sophia’s “Drain Coil” invention uses part of a mattress coil and lamp cord wire webbed inside the coil. The invention collects hair from bathroom stall shower drains and reduces or eliminates the need to use de-clogging chemicals like Draino or Liquid Plumber. “These types of chemicals are not good for the environment and contribute to water pollution,” commented Sophia Viggiano, 13. “I am so happy that they liked my invention and I have a chance to start a little business to make Drain Coils . . . to help save the environment and save money for college,” said Sophia. As a finalist, Sophia is thrilled to be receiving a brand-new laptop computer powered by Intel technology. Sophia’s design was selected from more than 1,000 contest submissions by a contingent of VIP judges representing companies committed to innovation and design, including the Ford Motor Company, Wonka, Oreck, American Express, Time For Kids, Atlas Devices, Covidien, Continuum, Targus, and Unilever. “We need to protect the environment and stop polluting the air and water because eventually it will get out-of-hand,” said Sophia. When asked how people can start making a positive difference, Sophia listed, “driving cars less, walk more, ride a bike; conserve energy, sweep instead of vacuuming; don’t use harmful chemicals for household cleaning . . . use a Drain Coil instead of Draino! These and other small efforts can build up and make a great difference if everyone took the initiative.” In addition to raising public awareness about saving the environment, Sophia attends St. Mary’s School in Alexandria, VA and enjoys playing basketball, cooking, and design projects. After high school, Sophia hopes to go to a college with a good design program that will improve her creative abilities and further develop her innovative and entrepreneurial skills. Learn more about other contestants and their “Trash to Treasure” inventions at www.bkfk.com then visit the Design Squad website at www.pbs.org/designsquad to learn more about the show that inspired the contest. About Design Squad on PBS Design Squad is a reality competition show aimed at kids and people of all ages who like reality or how-to television. Its goal is to get viewers excited about engineering and the design process. Over the 13 episodes, eight high school contestants tackle engineering challenges for real world clients—from creating cardboard furniture projects for IKEA to designing a gravity bike (no pedals or cranks!) for Extreme Game champion Tom Whalen. The new season of Design Squad premieres on PBS in April 2008. In the final episode, the top two scorers battle for the Grand Prize—a $10,000 college scholarship from the Intel Foundation. The Design Squad web site goes "behind the scenes" with cast interviews, photos, outtakes, and the inside scoop on each Design Squad challenge. Online, visitors may watch full-length streams of Design Squad episodes, share their thoughts, and learn more about the role of engineers in society via www.pbs.org/designsquad. Design Squad is produced by WGBH Boston. Major funding for Design Squad is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Intel Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, United Engineering Foundation (ASCE, ASME, AIChE, IEEE, AIME), Noyce Foundation, Northrop Grumman, the IEEE, and the Intel Corporation. About the Intel Foundation Intel Foundation has been developing and funding educational and charitable programs since 1989. Its mission is to advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education to fuel tomorrow's innovators, with a particular focus on inspiring women and under-represented minorities to be full participants in these fields. The Foundation, funded solely by donations from Intel Corporation, supports Intel employee volunteerism and philanthropy as part of Intel's efforts to be a good corporate citizen both locally and globally. About By Kids For Kids Co. By Kids for Kids® (BKFK®) is a youth marketing and media company partnering with the world's leading corporations to provide a platform to foster, share, showcase, and commercialize youth innovation and entrepreneurship. Their mission is to inspire, motivate and stimulate the innovative spirit within all young people. The closely held Stamford, CT-based Corporation has been dedicated to making youth ideas a reality since 2003. Through its website (www.bkfk.com) and its social community (Idea Locker™), online competitions, TV show (Think Big™), Magazine (Possible™), press, and education outreach, the company engages youth in the US and around the world. BKFK® youth-created products. are available nationally and serve as a testament to the power of youth innovation and social entrepreneurship. Learn more: www.bkfk.com