A group of students from East Montpelier has been named ‘Best in State’ in the fifth annual Verizon Innovative Learning App Challenge for their smart phone app, Reuse-it.

The Verizon Innovative Learning App Challenge is a nationwide competition for students to design a smart phone app aimed at “solving societal issues in their schools and communities”. The learning experience is meant to spark greater interest in STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering and math.

There were more than 1,800 middle and high school teams from across the country who competed, with only 94 entries being awarded the title ‘Best in State’. The East Montpelier team will receive a $5000 award from the Verizon Foundation for the East Montpelier Elementary Parent Teacher Neighbor Org. and tablets for each of the students.

The team is now in the running for one of eight ‘Best in Nation’ awards, selected by education and industry experts. They are also eligible for the Fan Favorite Award. This is decided by public voting. Winners receive an additional $15,000 and the opportunity to work with MIT Media Lab experts to bring the app to life.

You can help! Until February 14, 2017, vote for the Reuse-it App by texting REUSE to 22333.

For voting information, click here.

To learn more about the Amazing River Dolphins and the Reuse-it App, click here.