Andrew Eason ’26  and Joaquin Gonzales ‘25 were named the winners of the Best Showcase of Iterative Design (Ages 14-18) for their invention called “GripTrom” in the Make:able 3D Printing and Assistive Technology Challenge. 

An international competition, the Make:able 3D Printing Challenge asks participants to use creativity, problem-solving, and empathy to design 3D printed assistive devices that make a difference in the world. Joaquin and Andrew’s “GripTrom” is a lightweight, adjustable mount that screws on to a cymbal stand to deliver stable, hands-free assistance for trombonists navigating physical challenges. The students designed this device as part of the Upper School’s Engineering and Design class.

As winners, Joaquin and Andrew won an A1-Mini Bambu Labs 3D Printer, which will live in Rye Country Day’s Makerspace. In addition to their victory, Joaqui and Andrew’s “GripTrom” was also named a finalist in the Best Showcase of Empathy category.