President Barack Obama hosted the second White House Science Fair Feb. 7 celebrating the student winners of a broad range of science, technology, engineering and math competitions across the U.S.

Jack Dudley, 11, of Stone Hill Middle School and Sydney Dayyani, 11, of Belmont Ridge Middle School, were members of the Virginia team that designed a military helmet to protect soldiers from traumatic brain injuries on the battlefield due to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) called the HEADS UP! Helmet. Both students have competed in national competitions and won first place in the 2011 Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision competition with their HEADS UP! Helmet.

The helmet is a redesign of the standard issue military helmet. It’s equipped with bullet and shrapnel- stopping gels and equipped with highly sensitive temperature. The helmet has air pressure sensors to show the presence and level of a brain injury to medical personnel.

“We are so proud of Sydney and Jack for their commitment to the field of science and we are thrilled for them that the White House has selected them for its Science Fair, ” Leesburg Mayor Kristen Umstattd said. “On behalf of our Town citizens and our Town Council, congratulations. We know these students will continue to excel, not just this year, but throughout their future endeavors.”