Peninsula Student Showcases Work at White House Science Fair

A student today got a chance to show off his work, and some Panthers gear, at the White House Science Fair, an event that showcases student winners of math and science competitions from across the country.

"It's definitely an honor to have been invited to something at the White House," Braeden Benedict said after the fair.

Benedict, 15, of Rancho Palos Verdes, the 2011 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his innovation in developing a low-cost impact detection device that can make it easier to spot concussions in athletes.

in July, Benedict competed against nine others in early October during a live competition at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, MN. After being named "America's Top Young Scientist," he won $25,000 and a trip from Discovery Student Adventures.

Benedict today showcased his work in the East Wing of the White House alongside other student scientists representing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions across the U.S. More than 30 student teams exhibited their projects, according to a White House press release.

“If you win the NCAA championship, you come to the White House. Well, if you're a young person and you produce the best experiment or design, the best hardware or software, you ought to be recognized for that achievement, too,” President Obama said at the first White House Science Fair in 2010.

Obama viewed student exhibits at the fair, and spoke to students, business leaders and science educators on the importance of STEM education in the country. 

And while he didn't get to meet Obama, Benedict said he snagged a good spot to watch him speak. He also left behind Peninsula High souvenirs so Obama could display some Panther pride.

Benedict and his mother, Maurena Nacheff-Benedict, said the East Wing was taken over by science projects, including a marshmallow-launcher tried out by Obama.

Benedict said the fair only made him more excited to pursue science.

"I (was) personally already headed down that path and excited about science," he said. "It shows all the other kids who maybe weren’t that interested in science before ... this is what you can do if you work hard and go for it."

Benedict, a graduate of , was also recently honored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Follow #WHScienceFair on Twitter for updates on today's event.