Palos East Fifth-Graders' Ship of Treasures Game Hits Target Store Shelves

PALOS PARK, IL – A new game invented by two fifth-graders from Palos East Elementary School is hitting toy shelves and available online at Target just in time for the holidays. Olivia Wasilewski and Brynna Siewers’ Ship of Treasures took top honors in the 2016 Chicago Toy and Game’s Young Inventor Challenge. The dynamic duo will be honored at a celebration assembly this Friday, Oct. 13.

Many toys and games created by young inventors were on display at last year’s ChiTag’s YIC, but Olivia and Brynna’s Ship of Treasures blew the judges away. As grand prize winners, Olivia and Brynna began a yearlong mentorship, working hand in hand with experts from Target and Pressman Toys on prototypes, packaging and more to perfect Ship of Treasures. The girls designed the game for a school project.

“This is the first time we invented a game,” said Olivia

“Everyone in our grade likes pirates and treasure hunts, so we know the suspense of the game will be fun,” Brynna said.

ChiTag’s annual YIC provides an opportunity for children ages 6 to 18 to showcase their own original toy and game inventions to industry professionals, members of media, and the general public. The judging is split into two categories, 6-11 (junior) and 12-18 (senior). Olivia and Brynna were judged in the junior category.

“We’re not only celebrating Brynna and Olivia’s exciting achievement, but we’re celebrating their classmates, teachers, parents, and friends who collaborated and communicated to help the girls achieve their goal,” Palos East Principal Rob Szklanecki said.