NJ Jewish News on-line | Budding inventor cleans up at contest

A student at Hillel Yeshiva in Ocean Township won a first-place prize in a statewide competition for budding inventors.

Haley Shalam of Allenhurst beat out hundreds of students from throughout her state with her automatic paw cleaner for household pets.

She received the award from the Student Inventions Through Education Program on May 2 at the Rutgers University Eco Center in Bordentown.

Haley's device is the size of an average litter box and is covered with a Plexiglas top that contains a hole for each paw. A hose, complete with hose gun, is connected to an outdoor faucet and runs into the box, which is also equipped with a small pump that dispenses dog shampoo.

As the soap and water mix, the effect is similar to that of a gentle Jacuzzi. The paw cleaner also comes with a mat; when the paws are clean, the dog can be lifted out and placed on the mat until all four paws are dry, said Haley.

The invention previously took first-place honors at the yeshiva's on-site Invention Convention in January.

Her family's Maltese turned out to be a good test subject and a quick learner, the fourth-grader said. In January, she brought the dog and the invention together; after a few trial runs, the dog began to wait near the device as soon as he returned from any outdoor activity.

The SITE judging process was a daunting experience, said Haley. She set up her invention next to hundreds of other submissions. After the four-judge SITE panel examined each item, the young inventors waited to be summoned for a private interview.

"I was the last one who was called in for my interview," Haley said. "I thought that was a good thing, because I would be fresh in the judges' minds. Two of the judges owned dogs, so they really understood the need for my invention."

Eventually, five finalists were chosen – and then the winner was announced.

"They called me!" Haley said. "I felt excited and proud when everyone congratulated me and said they would use my invention. I took a last look around at all the other submissions and felt grateful about my victory."

After congratulating the other contestants, Haley dismantled the paw cleaner and headed home. After sharing the news of her victory with family members, friends, and the Hillel Yeshiva faculty, it was time for a little fun, she said.

"Of course, we had to go out for ice cream," Haley said. "It was a perfect way to celebrate."