NORTH ATTLEBORO -- Her innovative kayak paddle design has earned North Attleboro Middle School student Mary Lou Hedberg a spot among 40 finalists in the 2005 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge.

Hedberg's science fair project, which she hatched while paddling on a lake during a family vacation last year, looked at more efficient designs for kayak paddles.

She has a provisional patent for a new paddle design and now has a chance to compete with finalists from 19 other states next month for the title of Top Young Scientist of the Year.

For complete story, see today's Sun Chronicle