Amazing! What are they putting in the water these days? Remember when we were amazed by the kid in college who invented the next great widget? We thought someone in his/her 20’s was a whiz-kid if they held a patent or developed that new widget. Check out our cover story on “12” year old Samantha Melin -- Yes, she was only 12 and only in the 6th grade and is a patent holder. I couldn’t imagine when I was in the 6th grade asking my dad how my patent application was proceeding or has our patent attorney called me back. If you didn’t have a baseball, football or basketball, I wasn’t very interested. If you’ve ever wondered why Inventors Digest covers as many youth related contest & programs as we do, Sam’s story is a shining example of why we do. Young people like Samantha will make a mark on this earth eventually, but offering programs/contest like Science Fairs, the Conrad Foundation, Camp Invention, FIRST and many, many more, you’re giving our youth the chance to develop that inner self at such a young age. If they start at such a young age just imagine what they will do at the ripe old age of 25. Offering programs are never enough, but it’s a great start. Sam obviously has a great support system at home and I’m sure mentors in her life as did I. My father always preached to look for a better way to do virtually everything. As a patent holder and innovator, he was my support and inspiration. I challenge you all to do the same for budding young innovator. Way to go Sam!
Mark R. Cantey VP & Associate Publisher
Editor’s Note
Editor’s Note