Rayen eighth-grader prints bands for protective surgical masks

YOUNGSTOWN — When Rayen Early College Middle School eighth-grader Nick Pettitt learned about the challenges medical professionals face with protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic, he wanted to help.

Nick, 14, used the small 3D printer he got for Christmas to construct bands that make surgical masks more comfortable.

"I remembered seeing something on the health care workers' ears getting agitated from the surgical masks," he said.

Nick found a pattern online for surgical mask tension release bands that fit around the back of the wearer's head, making them more comfortable. The bands alleviate the chafing caused by elastic over the ears.

"It just felt like it would be a fun thing to do and I wanted to help out," Nick said.

He talked to his parents who gave him the go-ahead to try to print the bands at home. The first one took about 1.5 hours.

Angela Pettitt, Nick's mom, said Nick now prints three at a time and it takes about four hours.

On Tuesday, the family dropped off 10 at the St. Elizabeth Boardman Campus with the next batch planned for St. E's main campus in Youngstown. They also gave some to family friends who work with the public.

"I'm proud of this young man," said Justin Jennings, Youngstown City Schools CEO. "He saw a problem and he wanted to help. His actions show empathy, initiative and a desire to make a difference."

Throughout the state-mandated school closure, Rayen Early College Middle School teachers have been conducting virtual class meetings to maintain the school's sense of community. Nick talked to his teacher, Cieleste Tauro, during one of those meetings about printing the tension release bands.

Deborah DiFrancesco, principal of Rayen Early College Middle School, said Nick's project demonstrates the kind of student and leader he is.

"The RECMS community is so proud of Nick," she said. "He is a true example of the mission and vision of our school.

"Nick is an active member of our eighth-grade leadership team where community service is an important component. He has participated in many leadership activities like our food pantry. We're also proud that Nick saw a community need, then thought and researched a way that he could make a positive impact."

This story was originally published April 10, 2020 at 1:58 PM with the headline "Rayen eighth-grader prints bands for protective surgical masks."