On September 12, 2025, students officially unveiled their project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by members of the community who helped make the machine possible. The event not only celebrated the machine itself but also highlighted the power of student initiative and community partnership.
At LGES innovation isn’t just encouraged; it’s a way of life, driven by the bright minds of its students through the Lighthouse Teams. This unique group of students empowers each other to brainstorm, develop, and execute their own ideas, transforming their school environment in tangible and inspiring ways. With dedicated teachers and staff, who operate under a simple yet profound principle: “don’t tell them no,” students learn invaluable lessons by discovering what’s possible, and what isn’t, through their own efforts.
A great example of this student-led philosophy in action came from a Lighthouse Team comprised of sixth-graders Robert Aunchman, Sofia Ianni, and fifth-grader Charlie Mondella. Their initial idea? A food vending machine. Their original idea, a food vending machine, sparked a helpful conversation with Chef Jeff, who guided them toward exploring other vending machine options.
This pivot sparked a new wave of research and enthusiasm. The students dove deep into the world of vending machines, ultimately presenting a groundbreaking idea to Principal Conway, a book vending machine.
Robert, Sofia, and Charlie took the reins, contacting book vending machine companies. They handled all the correspondence themselves, from emailing inquiries to making phone calls. Their research led them to Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine.
While the initial price range was steeper than anticipated, the team refused to be discouraged. They knew they couldn’t make it happen on their own, so they turned to their community for help. The students pitched their vision to the school PTSO, Jim Ross from the Bob Ross Memorial Foundation, and the Lake George Rotary Club. Their pitch was well received and each group generously provided the necessary funds, making the book vending machine a reality.
The students’ involvement didn’t stop there. They continued to collaborate, designing the machine with school branding before submitting the final design to the company.
The Lighthouse Team then turned their attention to how it would fit into school culture. They wanted it to be something students could earn, not just be a giveaway. They decided that students would earn tokens for showing good character, making the reward more meaningful.
So much of Lake George Elementary School’s identity has been shaped by these student-driven ideas. “Each year, the Lighthouse Team brings something new to the table, and without fail, it turns into something amazing. This year is no exception,” said Principal Conway.