Watsonville 2nd Grader Receives Global Recognition For His Invention

WATSONVILLE, CA —A 2nd grader at Bradley Elementary School in Watsonville has been selected to present his "D" Shoes people-locator invention at the virtual Global Invention Convention next month, according to the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD).

Kristopher Bayog was one of just five students from California, and 84 students total, who were chosen for the event, which is presented by The Henry Ford organization.

The winners were selected after presenting at the National Invention Convention from May 31 to June 3, which featured an estimated 500 presenters.

Bayog's "D" Shoes invention also received special recognition in the Consumer Goods and Fashion division at the national convention.

"D" Shoes stands for doorbell shoes, and they feature an alarm device built into the shoe that allows family members to find others —perhaps elderly or young children —who might be lost in a crowd.

Bayog said he got the idea for the invention on a day his grandmother, who suffers from dementia, was lost briefly during a graduation celebration.

"Later that day, my father used his car alarm to find our car because he could not remember where he parked it, and that is how this idea came to me," Bayog said.

The "D" Shoes feature a receiver in the shoe and a keychain-like transmitter that sends signals to the shoe. If the transmitter is within 1000 feet of the shoe, it can be activated and the alarm in the shoe will sound, helping others to locate the person wearing the shoes.

Michelle Rodriguez, PVUSD superintendent of schools, said it was inspiring to learn that Bayog was one of just a handful of students from the state selected to present at the global convention.

"(Bayog's) potentially life-saving creation is thoughtful. It is important to share it with the world," Rodriguez said. "I am proud of our staff who daily support a safe and engaging learning environment where students like Kristopher can innovate and have supportive opportunities to be curious and explore their interests."