Westfield Magazine June 2024

STATE-OF-THE-ART SURROUNDINGS

WESTFIELD WASHINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENS NEW FACILITY

With the Westfield population growing, the Westfield Washington Public Library leadership team found itself in need of a larger space. The community, always at the heart of local decisions, expressed a desire for a community gathering space with meeting rooms, a makerspace, and a larger, state-of-the-art library facility. Executive Director Sheryl Sollars acknowledges that the old space served the community well, but it was time for a change. The grand opening of the new, community-inspired facility was on June 1.

The 43,000-square-foot building is located at 17400 Westfield Boulevard, on the southwest corner of Park Street and Westfield Boulevard. Kevin Montgomery with KrM Architecture designed the building, and GM Development and Meyer

Writer / Renee Larr

Photographer / Walker Photographer

Najem built it. Veridus Group served as the library’s owner’s representative.

The new facility is a beacon of innovation, boasting new amenities and features like a makerspace, gathering stairs with a beautiful atrium area, several meeting rooms for groups of two, four, six and 20, an extensive program room capable of holding 200 people and 125 with training tables. There’s also a large video wall in the program room for presentation, a larger area to house the collection, two outdoor terraces, a podcast and video recording room, and RIVET Coffee Bar & Roastery in the lobby. Additionally, you’ll find a children’s department enhanced with a new play town, an interactive light wall, and excellent window seats where families can gather and read. These features are designed to inspire

and engage our patrons, offering a new and exciting library experience.

Sollars says the makerspace will include sewing machines, a 3D printer, an engraving laser and a 36-inch printer. There is also an additional room to record podcasts and take high-quality photos. She says the library leaders are excited to offer these types of equipment.

“We are so excited to open this new, beautiful building, to be able to provide the Westfield and Washington Township community with the library they deserve,” Sollars says. “This new, state-of-the-art building will serve as a centerpiece to Westfield’s expanding downtown - a gathering place where everyone is welcome and encouraged to experience the library’s

mission to foster exploration, discovery and growth. This building is a more versatile and innovative space that allows us to house a larger collection of books, movies and music, and reimagine our programs and services to keep up with our patrons’ new and modern needs - with a makerspace that will provide our patrons with handson learning opportunities, with expanded meeting spaces to allow for private and public community gatherings, remote working, and collaborative study areas, and with present-day conveniences like additional parking, outdoor spaces and a cafe.”

Westfield Washington Township has built a new building connected to the new library building, and will partner to share the program room space and building maintenance efficiencies. Sollars says that in addition to traditional library services, the new library will be able to increase STEM and STEAM classes with a dedicated space, along with the podcast and recording studio.

For more information, visit wwpl.lib.in.us. Nationally-ranked

OrthoIndy Hospital is recognized nationally for patient safety and outcomes. And we’re the only hospital in Indiana ranked in the U.S. Top 50 for outpatient orthopedic surgery and total joint replacement. Now, with the opening of OrthoIndy Hospital Westfield next door to our clinic and urgent care, world-class care has never been more convenient.

Get back to what you love. Schedule a consultation today. Call 317.802.2000 to see one our specialists.

OrthoIndy is the official orthopedic provider of the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever & Andretti INDYCAR.

JOINT REPLACEMENT

Sheryl Sollars

Writer / Natalie Gargiulo

Championship titles can be hard to come by, especially at the age of 8.

Lincoln Adwell holds four.

Adwell is honing his basketball skills at Pacers Athletic Center (PAC), with two of his championships achieved through the Indy Youth Basketball League (IYBL). He won his first championship ring in just the first grade, undoubtedly causing his passion for the game to grow.

With only two years at PAC under his belt, Adwell has been able to feel the impact and draw that the professional coaches at the facility are instilling in the young athletes.

“Coach Braden [Heil] encourages me to play as hard as I can, and to never give up,” he says. “He also makes me keep my head up whenever I make a mistake, and not get too down on myself.”

As a Primetime 2034 Black player, Adwell has found immense joy through his teammates, coaches, and the spirited competition the game brings. His passion has propelled him to claim championship titles in the IYBL Fall League and IYBL Back to School League, as well as secure the runner-up position in the IYBL Winter League.

Adwell has already cultivated a determination to continuously improve through dedicated practice and observing

LINCOLN ADWELL

others on the court. He’s drawn to those around him, gazing at the talent that he hopes to one day mirror in his game, whether that’s studying professional NBA player Steph Curry’s shooting skills, or watching those who are a little bit closer to home.

“Watching my brother and his teammates play for the Golden Eagles [motivates me],”

he says. “I go to their practices and play with them. They are a really good team, and I want to be really good.”

The young, impressionable athlete doesn’t shy away from knowing what work is required to further enhance his already successful skill set. These goals for the sport aren’t normally taught, and are ultimately only afforded through learned mental

Photography Provided

perseverance - something that has already been engrained in Adwell.

“I want to thank my papa for teaching me important things about the game, like how to shoot and how to make moves to get to the basket - to never give up and always keep working hard,” Adwell says.

His surrounding family members and coaches enrich that mentality to help him elevate his game.

“I would say [papa] is my biggest fan, and always encourages me and believes in me, and pushes me to do my best,” he says. “I would also like to thank my coach, Braden Heil. He always supports me and pushes me to do my best.”

The strength gained from his support system, matched with his early instinctive talent, has already shown PAC what’s to come and the mark he’ll leave behind.

Westfield

Athlete Spotlight Lincoln Adwell

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CLOSET FACTORY

Closet Factory has officially arrived in central Indiana.

As the leader in the custom closet industry, Closet Factory specializes in custom storage solutions for both residential and commercial spaces, offering options for customizing virtually every area of the home or office including pantries, garages, closets, home offices and more. Closet Factory is a franchise that has been around for more than 40 years, and its expertise and strength as a company is now available to serve the Indianapolis community.

Husband-and-wife duo Josh and Amy Evans decided to open Closet Factory based on their shared passion for entrepreneurship, and a desire to bring their professional backgrounds together into one single venture.

“Amy and I have been together since high school,” said Josh. “And one of our life goals has always been to own our own business. With my experience in sales, manufacturing, and leadership, and Amy’s experience in marketing and design – it’s a perfect fit.”

Their journey with Closet Factory began with extensive research and careful consideration of their next business move. Ultimately, they were drawn to the Closet Factory’s commitment to quality-

manufactured products, high-level of customization, and outstanding customer service.

“We manufacture all our own products,” said Josh. “We have a manufacturing facility right here in Indianapolis where everything is made locally, which allows us to create a 100% custom product for the client.”

The customer process at Closet Factory begins with an initial consultation, where clients have a conversation with Josh or Amy to discuss what they’re looking for, then they will schedule a time for one of the talented designers to go to the client’s home and look at their space. During this time, the designer will take measurements and discuss the client’s storage needs, preferences and budget. From there, the design team collaborates closely with the client to create customized solutions tailored to their specific requirements.

Once the design is finalized and approved, skilled craftsmen meticulously manufacture each component. Installation is then scheduled at the client’s convenience, with professional installers ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. Throughout the entire process, Closet Factory prioritizes open communication, attention to detail and customer satisfaction, aiming to deliver not just functional storage solutions, but also spaces that truly enhance the lives of

their clients.

“We really enjoy being able to upgrade all aspects of a person’s home through designing and building these custom spaces,” said Josh. “We’re adding value not only to their homes, but to their daily lives.”

“We offer a product that is designed to last a lifetime,” added Amy. “That’s why Closet Factory has a lifetime warranty. Our tagline is ‘The Art of Organization’ because we design beautiful spaces with a highly functional aspect. It’s an investment that can increase your home’s value while adding a lifetime of convenience.”

Josh and Amy are sourcing local products, employing local people, providing a service with 40-years of history to its brand, and bringing a product with a lifetime warranty to the Indy area. Their new facility is located at 3250 North Post Road, Suite 265 in Indianapolis.

To schedule your free consultation with them, give them a call at 317-812-0304 or visit closetfactory.com/locations/ Indianapolis.

To see more of their work, follow them on Instagram @closet.factory.indy.

CONNECT

317-812-0304 closetfactory.com/locations/ indianapolis

Writer / Alli Donovan Photography Provided

IT’S A WASH

NORTHSIDE WINDOW AND GUTTER CLEANING FOCUSES ON THOROUGH AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Writer / Renee Larr

Photographer / Ron Wise

A long-standing friendship led local veteran Gene Hairston to purchase Northside Window and Gutter Cleaning from his friend, the original owner, in 2019. The two met many years prior through other career paths. Some might say the two are alike in their attention to detail or, as Hairston says, their OCD for the business. This personal connection and shared dedication to the business is what makes Northside a truly special and valued service in the community.

“When [the previous owner] Scott wanted to branch out and move on to other business ventures, he approached me about buying the business,” Hairston says. “At that point I was already involved in the day-today running of the business. So I’ve had at least some attachment to the company since the beginning.”

Hairston’s meticulous attention to detail and his team’s expertise are the driving

forces behind the success of Northside. The business offers its clients proven techniques to keep their homes and properties looking great all year round. From interior and exterior window and screen cleaning to gutter cleaning, gutter guards, pressure washing and soft washing, as well as additional interior and exterior cleaning services, every task is handled with the utmost professionalism and care.

“We do things the way everyone should be doing them but don’t necessarily always do,”

Hairston says. “When we clean your gutters, we make sure what we remove doesn’t end up on your beautiful home or patio furniture. We don’t want to provide you with a service and create another problem for you in the process. Our commitment to your satisfaction and the preservation of your property is unwavering.”

Hairston says he can teach anyone to clean their windows but can’t teach proficiencybut Northside offers its clients that. He says his team has the process down to a science,

using what he calls a secret, proprietary blend of ingredients to leave windows shining and streak-free.

“We offer pressure-washing and sometimes lesser-known soft-washing services,” Hairston says. “With pressure washing, you can actually damage your home if you aren’t careful. Soft washing uses low-pressure nozzles in conjunction with biodegradable detergents that remove and kill biological elements like algae, mold, moss and dirt. This technique is completed using a lowpressure soaping method followed by a low-pressure rinse. I always tell people I will pressure wash your driveway, deck or sidewalk, but I will not pressure wash

your house.”

Hairston says they also clean ceiling fan blades, chandeliers and coach lights, perform lightbulb changes, and remove cobwebs. It’s important to Hairston to be transparent with clients in terms of cost, which is why he provides 100% free estimates. He says estimates can typically be completed within 24 hours with zero obligation to commit.

“Some people provide their estimates based on the square footage of a home,” Hairston says. “We’re a little different in that we actually come over to your home and walk around the property. This allows us to give

an accurate price without any surprises to the customer later on.”

Hairston says being a local, veteran-owned business is crucial to him. He knows the benefit of clients spending their money locally. He says he’s an active owner, meaning he’s out in the field with his employees day in and day out. He says the size of his team allows Northside Window and Gutter Cleaning to be more responsive to client needs than its competitors.

For more information about Northside Window and Gutter Cleaning, call 317-9660212 or visit windowguttercleaning.com.

BE PREPARED FOR SUMMER WITH THESE 10 AIR CONDITIONING AND PLUMBING TIPS

Arguably the busiest time of the year for homeowners is summer. With school out, the constant yard work, vacations and outings booking up our calendars, things are bound to get lost in the busy summer shuffle. But indoor comfort should not be one of those things.

To help provide you with peace of mind for your home this summer, we’ve asked Williams Comfort Air and Mr. Plumber, leaders in heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical services, to provide us with a list of the 10 best tips to prioritize home comfort this summer and leave you feeling stress-free.

1. SCHEDULE ANNUAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

“Regular maintenance ensures your air conditioning system operates efficiently and

helps identify any potential issues before they escalate,” says Roger Elkins, HVAC service director for Williams Comfort Air. According to a 2023 home maintenance survey performed by Williams Comfort Air, only 40% of homeowners have scheduled at least one maintenance visit for their HVAC and/or plumbing system in the last yearand 30% have never had an HVAC and/ or plumbing maintenance visit. An annual inspection by a professional technician can catch minor issues early, preventing them from turning into costly repairs or system breakdowns during the hottest months.

2. HAVE YOUR SEWER LINE INSPECTED

“Scheduling a sewer line inspection can detect any potential sewer blockages or signs of damage, preventing backups and costly repairs down the line,” says Paul Hallam, director of plumbing at Mr.

Plumber. “Identifying and addressing sewer line issues preemptively can save homeowners from the inconvenience and expense of dealing with sewage backups, especially when temperatures are soaring.”

3. CONSIDER A WHOLEHOME BACKUP GENERATOR

“Investing in a whole-home backup generator ensures uninterrupted power supply, allowing your air conditioning, refrigeration and other essential systems to continue running seamlessly during outages,” suggests DJ Callahan, director of electrical for Williams Comfort Air. A whole-home backup generator automatically kicks in when the power goes out, providing peace of mind and safeguarding your home and family against the inconveniences and potential hazards associated with extended power loss.

4. REPLACE YOUR HVAC FILTER

“A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder and increasing energy consumption,” explains Elkins. “Replace your HVAC filter every two to three months to maintain indoor air quality and efficiency.” Neglecting filter replacement not only compromises indoor air quality, but also puts unnecessary strain on your HVAC system, potentially leading to premature failure or costly repairs.

5. INSTALL A SMART THERMOSTAT

“A smart thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature remotely, optimizing energy usage and potentially reducing utility bills,” says Elkins. With a smart thermostat, homeowners can adjust temperature settings based on their

Story & Photography Provided

schedule and preferences, maximizing comfort while minimizing energy waste and expenses.

6. PURCHASE A BATTERY BACKUP SUMP PUMP

“Heavy summer storms can lead to basement flooding,” warns Hallam. “A battery backup sump pump helps your basement stay dry, continuing to pump water out of your sump pit even during power outages.” Protecting your basement from flooding not only safeguards your belongings, but also prevents structural damage and mold growth, saving you from costly repairs and health hazards.

7. CONSIDER SCHEDULING AIR DUCT CLEANING

“Over time, dust, debris and allergens can accumulate in your air ducts, affecting indoor air quality,” says Elkins. “Consider professional air duct cleaning to improve air circulation and reduce allergens.” Clean air ducts promote better indoor air quality, reduce the risk of respiratory issues, and enhance the overall efficiency of your HVAC system.

8. FLUSH YOUR WATER HEATER

“Flushing your water heater removes sediment buildup, improving efficiency and extending its lifespan,” says Hallam. “Make it a part of your annual maintenance routine.” Sediment buildup not only reduces the efficiency of your water heater, but also increases the risk of corrosion and premature failure. Flushing the water heater annually is commonly recommended by manufacturers and necessary to keep new water heaters under warranty. It also helps maintain optimal performance and prolongs its service life.

9. PERFORM A WATER QUALITY ANALYSIS

“Understanding the quality of your drinking water is essential for your family’s health and well-being,” says Hallam. Testing your water can reveal issues such as hardness, contaminants, chlorine, chloramine, or PFAS (known as “forever chemicals”) that may affect your water’s taste, odor or safety. Armed with this knowledge, you can take appropriate

measures to address any concerns, whether it’s incorporating a filtration system, water softener, or other treatment solution to ensure your drinking water meets safety standards and tastes great.

10. TURN OFF YOUR WATER BEFORE LEAVING FOR VACATION

“Before embarking on your summer getaway, it’s wise to close your main water valve to your home and turn off your water supply, to prevent any potential leaks or malfunctions while you’re away,” warns Hallam. This simple step can help mitigate the risk of water damage in your absence.

By implementing these expert tips, homeowners can ensure their homes remain comfortable, efficient and protected throughout the summer months and beyond. Let these recommendations serve as a roadmap to a worry-free summer, where your home is your ultimate sanctuary of comfort and safety.

Writer / Natalie Gargiulo Photography Provided

Soft Water Solutions, a Noblesville-based company, is making waves in the local water treatment industry, offering water softener sales, service and installation.

Founded by Tom Edens, a lifelong resident of Noblesville, Soft Water Solutions not only focuses on providing water softener solutions, but also on fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards the local communities it serves.

“About a year back, I was talking to a friend of mine that had worked for a local softener company,” Edens says. “That company was sold several years ago and the new owner chose not to keep a physical presence in Noblesville. To me, knowing that Noblesville is such a tight-knit community, that didn’t make sense. I decided to pitch him the idea of starting a company. He would handle the service and installation, and I would oversee the marketing and operations.”

That friend is Don Crowder, lead installation tech for Soft Water Solutions. “Don has 20-plus years of softener experience and I love to be entrepreneurial,” Edens says.

The plan came together quickly. Having opened late in February of this year, Soft Water Solutions has quickly established itself as a trusted and valuable resource for residents of Noblesville, and all of Hamilton County. Edens says by operating very lean, it gives his company an advantage when it comes to competitiveness. “We don’t have excessive overhead and that allows us to be a very economical option for homeowners,” he says.

“We’re not just selling water softeners,” Edens adds. “We’re providing solutions to help families deal with the extremely hard water that is found throughout central Indiana.”

Soft Water Solutions takes a personal approach to every installation,

SOFT WATER SOLUTIONS

service call and maintenance project. With a clear understanding that each home and family is different, Edens and his team take into account factors such as household size and water consumption habits to recommend the best water softening solution.

“We want to talk to our clients,” Edens says. “We want to make an initial trip to their home and learn. That is what will give us the peace of mind that we’re providing the best option.”

If the conversation drifts away from water softeners during that home visit, Edens doesn’t mind. Talking about local sports or what’s happening around the area is just fine. “We’re Noblesville guys and oftentimes we know our clients, their families or their friends,” he says. “We love it when there is time to talk about what’s happening in our community.”

In addition to sales and installation, Soft Water Solutions provides maintenance on existing units and delivers softener salt. Edens is quick to point out that filling the family softener with salt was his least favorite chore as a kid. “My parents would both remember how much I hated lugging those bags down to our basement,” he says.

Lugging those bags is now an important part of his business. “Now I realize and appreciate that carrying a couple of 40-pound bags into the house from the car is a lot easier said than done,” Edens says. “Not everyone has friends or family close by to help out, and some people just don’t want the hassle of it.” Soft Water Solutions delivers salt to clients’ homes and adds it to their softeners if requested.

For Edens, the company’s commitment goes beyond their services. They understand the value of giving back to the place they call home. Whether it is sponsoring local sports teams or donating their time to a local organization, Edens says both he and Crowder love to be out and about. “We’re your neighbors, and supporting local communities throughout the county is a core value of our company,” he says.

Soft Water Solutions provides free estimates, does not charge for service calls, and has no monthly service agreements. “No two jobs are the same, so every call gives us the chance to be out in the community, talking to clients about their needs and what’s happening around Noblesville and Hamilton County,” Edens says. That’s just the way he likes it.

Opening the Door to Excellence970 PROJECTS AND COUNTING

HOMETOWN WINDOW & DOOR COMPANY IS BUILT ON SUPERIOR SERVICE AND SELECTION

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Hometown Window & Door Company is owned and operated by Noblesville natives Darren Peck and Dan Hanlin. Hometown is a full-service Andersen window dealership located in Noblesville that was formed to offer Hamilton County residents with the entire product line of Andersen Windows and Doors, and the Andersen Certified Contractors to install them.

The dealership began in February 2022, when the group purchased local Andersen dealership Clevernest, and relocated to Noblesville. Since this acquisition, Hometown has contracted

over 970 window and door projects, greatly increasing the value of residential and commercial properties all across Hamilton County.

“We could have sold any product we wanted, but we chose to sell Andersen products because it’s such a high-quality product,” says Darren Peck, co-owner of Hometown Window & Door. “You don’t end up being the oldest window and door company in the U.S. - Andersen started selling windows in 1903 - without having the highest-quality product on the market.”

Andersen is a fantastic product, but the product is not all that goes into a window and door project. The Hometown team also wanted to provide the consumer with a better customer service experience, complete with full-service, white-glove installation. Hometown Window & Door Company employs some of the top certified professionals in the industry. “As a young company, we are privileged to have such a highly qualified and experienced team,” Peck says. “From design consultants working with homeowners to our crews bringing the vision to reality, our team is top notch.”

WHAT’S HOT IN 2024: MASSIVE AND UNIQUE CONVERSIONS

If your home was built a decade or more ago, you may not have had access to the technology and variety of materials that are available from Andersen in 2024. Today, if you can dream it, Andersen can build it, and Hometown can install it. For example, Andersen can produce windows very tall and wide that will crank out! In the pictures provided, you will see arched windows that are 13-feet tall and 10-feet wide. These are builds that other manufactures cannot match. If they did, they wouldn’t be able to warranty the product. However, Andersen has mastered the art of manufacturing windows and doors.

“More often than not, the extremely large windows will actually save customers money because they end up purchasing a smaller quantity of windows from using Hometown’s conversion design techniques,” Peck said. “Instead of customers buying five windows, they are buying one window - half the cost and twice the view.”

“A lot of people have never seen anything like it,” he adds. “Most competitors’ windows can’t be made that big because the framing isn’t strong enough. Andersen products are superior. Plastic and vinyl windows just don’t hold up like an Andersen product.”

WHAT’S HOT IN 2024: DARK WINDOWS AND COLORED WINDOWS

Black windows are very trendy right now. However, homeowners have to be careful when purchasing windows with darker colors from just any window company. The dark colors hold a lot of heat, and if the framing material isn’t rated for large temperature fluctuations, they will warp. Warping windows is especially common in vinyl products of competitors of Andersen.

Andersen product lines use either Fibrex, fiberglass or extruded aluminum. These products hold up in a variety of environments and can be made in any color available without concerns about warping.

Color options in windows are also gaining popularity. The E-Series product line has more than 50 standard color options, which allows the team to do custom-looking windows for clients. Not only can you get 50 standard color options, but you can also make different parts of the window different colors without affecting cost. You truly can design a window around your home, instead of settling with whatever is available.

“The operable part of the window can be a different color than the frame, which can be a different color than the wrapping or the molding around the window,” Peck says. “In doing so, you can add a lot of subtle dimension to the project.”

The majority of the product lines carried by Hometown have historically not been made available for homeowners interested in remodeling. Traditionally, these product lines were only built by custom home builders and used when the home was constructed. Hometown has brought these options to the remodeling market and they are making waves. Customers absolutely love the finished product, as can be seen from their reviews.

HERE IS A SAMPLING OF WHAT HOMETOWN WINDOW & DOOR CUSTOMERS HAVE EXPERIENCED IN 2023:

UGLY WINDOW CONTEST

IS BACK! WIN $10,000 WORTH OF WINDOWS AND DOORS INSTALLED BY HOMETOWN

Last year, Hometown Window & Door held an Ugly Window Contest that attracted more than 200 entrants.

“This was a great contest and customers really seemed to get involved,” Peck says. “Our team really enjoyed looking at the different entires submitted by our customers. There are definitely some very ugly windows and it was difficult to pick the winner.”

In November, Hometown narrowed down the entries to the 20 ugliest windows and selected one grand-prize winner. The customer received $10,000 worth of windows and doors installed by Hometown. The remaining 19 runners-up received a special promotion to replace the windows and doors in their submission.

The contest winner in 2022 replaced their ugly window by altering the opening and

installing a new patio door in their master bedroom. The 2023 winner chose to complete their entire house in addition to the portion that was completed from the contest. Hometown had such great responses to the contest, they are running it again in 2024. The 2024 winner will be selected in November.

Hometown Window and Door

Company’s showroom is located at 1710 South 10th Street in Noblesville. For more info, call 317-688-8100 or visit hometownwindowteam.com.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

All Hamilton County residents who show this article to a design consultant will receive a special promotion. They will receive 25% off any project they start if they call before July 15 to schedule a consult.

Anybody who shows this magazine to their Hometown Window & Door design consultant will receive a discount on their project.

GAMES AT CARROLL STADIUM KICKOFFS AT 7:00 PM

JUNE 22 VS. OC

JULY 20 VS. TBR

Anant Kamath, a third grader at Shamrock Elementary, and the Student of the Month, is an accomplished student at a young age.

Anant recently participated in the International Academic Competition Regional Finals. He also qualified for the International Geography Bee and came in first in the Regional Science Bee.

Anant’s mother, Surbhi Jagotta, said the International Academic Competition is a global contest.

“International Academic Competition (IAC), established in 2010, is a global academic tournament that hosts quiz competitions in history, science, and geography,” she says. “These competitions cater to students across various levels, ranging from elementary and middle school to varsity and junior varsity.”

Jagotta said participating in IAC offers an exciting opportunity for students like Anant to demonstrate their knowledge and compete with peers from around the world. Anant has had quite a journey since he became involved with IAC. He worked very hard to compete in the bees.

“Anant participated in the IAC Regional Finals for the Science and Geography Bee at Westfield Middle School on Feb. 3,” Jagotta says. “He also secured first place in the Science Regional Finals.”

ANANT KAMATH

SHAMROCK ELEMENTARY THIRD GRADER WINS REGIONAL SCIENCE BEE

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Anant’s accomplishments didn’t stop there. “Additionally, Anant qualified for the National Science Bee, National Geography Bee, and International Geography Bee,” she says.

Anant will be traveling to Orlando this summer to compete in the National Championship.

“He is looking forward to going to Orlando and competing in the National Science Bee,” Jagotta says. “Additionally, he’s thrilled about exploring the theme parks in Orlando.”

Anant thoroughly loves school. Jagotta said he has his personal favorite subjects.

“He loves science and math at school,” Jagotta says. “He is part of his school’s Robotics team. He also enjoys reading books…his favorite series is ‘Spy School.’”

HOBBIES

When Anant isn’t busy in school, he enjoys participating in his favorite hobbies. “He likes building with Legos and playing with Pokémon cards,” Jagotta says. “He loves art, drawing, and origami. He also loves solving a Rubik’s Cube and wants to be a fast cuber. He can solve a 3x3 cube in under two minutes. He also loves playing board games with his family and spending time with his one-and-a-half-year-old sister, Anika.”

Anant also loves playing piano and he actively participates in a band at his music school. Jagotta said Subu Kamath, Anant’s father, has really helped Anant.

“Subu played a key role in nurturing his curiosity by engaging him in discussions about science topics and encouraging him to ask questions,” she says.

IAC INVOLVEMENT

Jagotta encourages other students to get involved with IAC.

“Students can register for IAC competitions either through their schools or as individual participants,” she says. “The first step involves an online qualifying exam, which then leads to the regional finals.”

Jagotta added that the regional finals are buzzer-based exams where multiple students compete head-to-head.

“The National/International Championships have qualifying students from the regional finals proceed to the National Championships (and, in some cases, the International Championships),” she says.

Leonard Buller, MD Kevin Sonn, MD