South Granville HS Students Win Altec Innovation Challenge

On Friday, November 21, 2025, a team from South Granville High School took home the top prize of $10,000 during Altec’s second-ever Innovation Challenge at the Granville County Expo Center. The competition combines science, technology, and engineering through a student-driven, project-based approach. Participating student teams were asked to present their solution addressing real-world problems using an innovative approach to benefit their school or community. Students from the winning team have earned $10,000 for their school to implement their project idea - slated to begin in the spring of 2026.

Upon extending an invitation for all county high schools to participate, a total of three teams from within the county competed in this year’s competition, including J.F. Webb, South Granville, and Oxford Prep. 

The Altec Innovation Challenge began earlier this fall, with individual students coming together to create teams. Each team had a faculty sponsor from their school and was also paired with engineers from Altec to help mentor and guide them in developing their plan.

The event concluded with final presentations to a panel of judges comprised of local business, education, and community leaders. After much deliberation, the students from South Granville High School emerged as the winners!

Winning the top prize, Nicholas Dietrich, Alondra Serafin, Jayden Ewing, and Payton Daniel impressed the judges with their ambitious proposal to install small, wall-mounted, vending machines that dispense FREE male and female hygiene products for those in need at their school. This creative idea will provide basic hygiene products for those who struggle to afford them, self-esteem boosts for students, and convenience in case of an emergency. The money awarded from Altec will fund the purchase of these vending machines, bringing the team's vision to life and to South Granville students for years to come.