Ladue Schools is incredibly proud to announce that Elle Saleeby has been named a 2026 National STEM Festival Champion. Selected as one of only 55 students nationwide and the only representative from Missouri, Elle’s achievement places her in an elite group with an acceptance rate of less than 5%.

This June, she will travel to Washington, D.C., to showcase her award-winning project, "The Backpack that Could Save a Child's Life."

The inspiration for Elle’s project is deeply personal. Following a 2023 car accident while walking home from Ladue Middle School (LMS), Elle underwent months of rehabilitation. During her recovery, she discovered that her own backpack had played a critical role in shielding her spine during the impact.

Alarmed by data showing that pedestrian accidents are a leading cause of injury for children worldwide, Elle began investigating how to standardize that protection. She developed and tested several prototypes designed to provide spinal shielding for students. At the national event, she will demonstrate these prototypes and the simulations used to verify their effectiveness.

Elle’s work extends beyond the lab. As one of 34 students nationwide selected for the iCivics Fellowship, following a nomination by LMS teacher Donna Matthews, Elle is using civic engagement tools to advocate for greater child pedestrian protections.

While Elle prepares for the national stage in D.C., our local community will have a chance to see her latest brilliance. This project actually began as her science fair entry a couple of years ago, and she will be presenting a brand-new, different project at the upcoming Ladue Schools STEAM Fest on April 8 at Ladue Horton Watkins High School.

“Elle’s journey from a recovery process to becoming a national champion in STEM and civic advocacy is truly remarkable,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke. “She embodies the resilience and critical thinking we strive to instill in all our students. By turning a personal challenge into a mission to save others, she is demonstrating exactly what it means to be future-ready. We are honored to have her representing Missouri and Ladue Schools.”

Congratulations, Elle, on this extraordinary national recognition!