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Fairfax County leaders celebrated a decade of student innovation Tuesday, May 19, recognizing a technology competition that challenges local high schoolers to improve the lives of seniors and people with disabilities.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay presented a proclamation honoring the 10th anniversary of the Fairfax Area High School Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge.

“It’s only gotten bigger and better,” McKay said.

Created through the Fairfax 50+ Community Action Plan, the competition asks students to research, design and test devices intended to benefit older adults or people with disabilities.

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity highlighted the value of bringing different age groups together.

“Anytime you can get generations talking to each other, there’s so much to learn on each end,” Herrity said.

Pete Lamont, chief operating officer of technology consulting firm Integrity One Partners and a longtime supporter of the competition, said students demonstrate their creativity year after year.

“It gives me a lot of hope and excitement about the future,” Lamont said.

Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk described today’s students as tomorrow’s entrepreneurial leaders, adding that innovation is essential to Fairfax County’s economic success.

Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, a serial entrepreneur, encouraged students working with emerging technology to persevere through failure.

“You’re going to lose more than you win — it’s going to make you stronger,” Storck said. “All of you have a long lifetime ahead. Go get ’em.”