Oliver Henry hopes to one day be an engineer. The Harry Hurst Middle School student is already showcasing impressive skill in that department.
Henry recently finished 10th in the nation in 3D Design at the National Beta Convention with a New Orleans/Mardi Gras-themed project featuring self-wired LED lights, moving parts and intricate 3D-printed details.
The theme of competition was “Wired for Success,” with each student creating their project to fit their own unique interpretation of that idea. In Henry’s case, he created a miniature city scene that was literally “wired,” using clear plexiglass so the electrical wiring could be seen.
The display featured a spinning Mardi Gras float, LED lighting, 3D-printed balconies and doors, a revolving door, paper-mache figures on the float and music built into the float. Henry taught himself how to wire the LED lights. The project took approximately three months to complete.
He qualified for the national competition by finishing as runner-up in Beta’s state 3D design competition.
The National Beta Club hosts national conventions each summer for the Elementary, Junior, and Senior levels. State conventions are held for members and sponsors in eighteen states. At the conventions, members participate in various academic and talent competitions, including academic tests, performing arts, S.T.E.M. competitions, and visual arts.
Henry said it was exciting to hear the announcement that he’d won, but he said he enjoyed seeing the impressive creations of other qualifiers just about as much.
“That was really cool to see all of the different designs and types of projects that people made,” Henry said.
But placing in the top 10, of course, was a special feeling for him.
“It made me very proud of myself,” Henry said. “And of all of the hard work I put into it.”
The actual judging of his project, he said, was a bit nerve-wracking.
“Very nervous,” he said. “There was one thing we were concerned about, mainly that the battery wouldn’t die.”
The battery did its job – and the judges were impressed.
The National Beta Convention took place in Nashville, Tenn. at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Henry said he enjoyed the trip. He also wasn’t aware it was in the cards until after his second place finish at state.
“We didn’t know about nationals at all until then,” Henry said.
At the national convention, there was a viewing period where all attending the convention can observe each of the projects up close.
“Thousands of children were able to go and view … it was really cool to see them all stopping to look at his project,” said Henry’s mother Michelle.
Added Henry, “And the music (from the float) was so loud, you could hear it from across the room.”
The journey seems to be as rewarding as the result for Henry.
“I just really like building things,” he said.
Michelle said Henry is already planning for next year’s Beta convention.
No matter what that may bring, she couldn’t be prouder than she is of her son today.
“We knew all the hours and hours he put into the project,” Michelle said. “Blood, sweat and tears, and the times he got frustrated but kept going. It was really nice to see him be so successful.”
