Posted
February 26, 2026
Two days, six teams, and one shared purpose: to use innovation in service of others. At St. Edward, the EmpowerED Maker Challenge transformed classrooms into workshops of empathy, where Edsmen applied their engineering skills to meet real needs. What emerged was more than a set of finished projects—it was a powerful reminder of what happens when learning is driven by purpose.
The EmpowerED Maker Challenge, the vision of Computer Science teacher Anthony Mortimer, was created to give students studying engineering and computer science a hands-on opportunity to apply their skills in a way that truly matters. On February 21, 2026, that vision came to life as 27 St. Edward students joined alumni mentors and community partners from Cleveland State University and Youth Challenge for an immersive, high-impact experience rooted in both innovation and compassion.
Students were divided into six teams, each paired with an adult with a physical disability who presented a specific, unmet need in their daily lives. From Friday through Sunday, teams worked tirelessly, often overnight, to design, build, test, and refine customized solutions. Weeks of preparation laid the groundwork, but it was during these final two days that ideas became reality: prototypes evolved into tangible tools, shaped by constant iteration and collaboration. Students leaned into challenges, problem-solving in real time and adapting designs with each new insight.
What distinguishes this experience is not only the technical achievement, but the mindset behind it. Our students approach each project with empathy and determination, motivated not by grades, but by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Each solution reflects a deep understanding of the individual it was designed to serve—because each wheelchair user faces unique challenges, and each deserve a personalized response. -Anthony Mortimer
Team Tim
The team designed and built a magnetic fastening system to help Tim, who was born with TAR syndrome, and has limited arm development. He can now independently put on and secure his coat more comfortably and efficiently.
Captain: Luke Pietromica ’26; Mentors: Will Day ’25, MT Polca ’25; Members: Brendan Shultz ’26, Peter Barendt ’26, Omar Kanan ’26
Team Preston
The team created a custom head support system to help Preston maintain an upright position and reduce strain. They also engineered an adaptive mechanical table that adjusts toward him, improving posture and daily accessibility.
Captain: Jacob Sidor ’27; Mentor: Chris Sidor; Members: Matthew Bush ’26, Graeme Monroe ’26, Kyle Erickson ’29
Team Alex
The team developed a mechanical door-opening solution using a winch-and-pulley system to help Alex open heavy commercial doors at her workplace without requiring structural renovation. This is particularly helpful for the restroom door and allows her the dignity of privacy and independence.
Captain: Vaughn Schrader ’28; Mentor: Kevin Dutkiewicz; Members: Austin Gervaise ’28, Brayden Pebbles ’29, David Ferguson ’28, Rory Taylor ’27
Team Hannah
The team designed modular wheelchair-mounted accessories, including a custom cup holder, a phone mount with wireless charging, and an umbrella holder—all integrated directly into her power wheelchair.
Captain: Emmett O’Donnell ’27; Mentor: Ryan Kulka ’24; Members: Caden Polk ’27; Ted Alten ’27, Dean Rabic ’29
Team Tom
The team built an adaptive gaming system that allows Tom, who has Cerebral Palsy, to independently control both Xbox joysticks. Using an Xbox Adaptive Controller and chin controls, they created a setup that lets him play video games on his own for the first time—enabling him to enjoy an activity many of his peers can do effortlessly.
Captain: Graden Likavec ’26; Mentor: Tommy Lombardo ’18; Members: Johnny Nader ’27, Wesley Lapsevich ’26, Henry Ashcraft ’28
Team Steve
The team engineered a fully customized wheelchair tray for Steve, designed to be lighter, better fitted, and easier to attach than his previous bulky tray—providing a functional solution that allows him to hold and manage items he once struggled to handle independently.
Captain: Elijah Molseed ’26; Mentor: Jimmy Zak ’19; Members: Reuben Shaffer ’26, Sebastian Haikal ’27, Scott Robinson ’27
Special thanks to the St. Edward faculty and staff members who spent their weekend innovating with these teams: Colin Bocan ’20, Gary Hartel, Anthony Mortimer, Richard Rupanovic ’89, Erin Schilf.
