DE SCR30

Honors Ben Hylak, a 14-year-old freshman at Salesianum School in Wilmington, for designing and building MAYA, a telepresence robot intended to help elderly persons and others communicate remotely.

Recognizes that Hylak conceived the invention while battling a life-threatening illness and built the device from inexpensive components including a Roomba vacuum, computer monitor, and other parts for less than $500.

Acknowledges Hylak's achievements including winning awards at local and national science fairs, becoming a silver medalist at the 2011 Broadcom Masters Faire, and being selected to present at the White House Presidential Science Fair in February 2012, where President Obama personally interviewed him.

Extends the grateful thanks and commendations of Delaware to Hylak for his hard work, creativity, and inspiration to others, and welcomes him and his family to Legislative Hall on March 22, 2012.