Sean Liao ’25 has developed a practical solution for a common problem, and people are taking notice. Midway, his “half-dirty” clothing organizer, was recently selected for inclusion in Global Online Academy’s (GOA) Global Capstone Showcase.

“Sean’s project reflects his hard work, dedication, and understanding of core course principles,” notes Meagan Frazier, Sean’s GOA Entrepreneurship in a Global Context teacher. “He embraced the challenges, adapted to feedback, and delivered a well-researched, viable solution. His project is highly deserving of recognition."

This year, more than 1,300 capstone projects were nominated for inclusion in the showcase; only 54 were selected for the honor, Sean’s Midway among them.

Midway, Sean explains in his product pitch, is an organizer for your “in-between, half-dirty” clothing.

“Just like any other boarding school teen, laundry is the bane of my existence,” says Sean. “I try to get as many wears as I can out of things like jeans and sweaters before I have to wash them. But something just doesn’t feel right about mixing worn but not dirty items with the clean clothes in my drawer.”

So, what to do with the “half-dirty” clothes? Well, in many boarding school dorm rooms you’ll find them on the back of a chair, in a pile on a sofa, or even (gasp!) on the floor.

“Midway provides a solution you can’t ignore,” says Sean. “You simply take off the half-dirty clothes and hang them on Midway. It provides air circulation and space for your clothes, so that they get the airflow they need, preventing odors and wrinkles. It’s the solution every busy student needs to keep their space tidy and their style on point.”

Sean’s project research told him he was on to something: 60% of students in his dorm, alone, share the problem of half-dirty clothes.

“Sean’s engagement with the course material was evident from the start,” notes Frazier. “He clearly understood the importance of identifying a real-world problem and developing a practical solution. What’s more, he didn’t just identify the problem; he diligently researched it through surveys, interviews at Taft, and online forums, even referencing sources like SWNS Digital and Reddit.”

See Sean’s showcase spotlight, which includes his preliminary and final product pitches, research summaries and analyses, the Midway prototype and more in the video below.
 

Sean L. - The Taft School from Global Online Academy on Vimeo.

Taft is a member of the Global Online Academy, giving students access to a wide range of non-traditional courses, as well as a network of people and resources from more than 140 independent schools in 30 countries around the world. GOA students are global citizens and modern learners, working in an environment where curiosity and passion drive learning. Students log in multiple times a week to engage in discussions, collaborate on projects, and apply knowledge in creative ways.