Four Pin Oak Middle School students have been honored in Washington D.C. and named National Winners in the 2008-2009 eCYBERMISSION Web-based science, math and technology competition for their work with special needs children. The award was announced at the eCYBERMISSION banquet in Washington, D.C. earlier this month.
Katie Beittenmiller, Emily Christians, Maddie Cooper and Emily White – the “Super Sports Squad” – under the guidance of 8th grade science teacher and lead dissertation coach Jamie Scott, developed and tested adaptive equipment and lessons designed to improve gross motor skills in an active sports program for special needs students within their school community.
Each team member received $5,000 in savings bonds for the first-place finish in addition to the $3,000 in bonds each won as a regional winner. The team members were also honored at the Houston Independent School District’s VIPS Recognition Breakfast in May as the West Region Youth Volunteers of the Year.
“The work done by these four girls is just another example of what students can do when we challenge them in new ways,” said Pin Oak principal Michael McDonough. “The power of community service work is contagious when supported by a school, and I am humbled every year by what kids can and will do. They often inspire us when we take the time to listen and trust them.”
The four young women entered the eCYBERMISSION contest early in the school year and were named national finalists in late spring. eCYBERMISSION, sponsored by the U.S. Army, invited all finalists to Washington, D.C. in July for the final phase of the competition, the National Judging Event. At the final judging, groups presented their projects to a panel of judges, all of whom have made significant contributions in science, math and technology. Super Sports Squad was named 8th Grade National Champion on July 2.
The team’s trip to Washington, D.C. also included a visit to the Pentagon, a visit to the Capitol for a congressional meet-and-greet, and a tour of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research to learn about science activities of the Army. Also included were visits to national monuments and the Smithsonian Institute.
Super Sports Squad is one of more than 30 groups from Pin Oak’s Research and Dissertation class. Research and Dissertation, one of many electives offered on the campus for 8th graders, allows students to work collaboratively to identify a need in their community or in their world, and act to create change through the use of science, math and technology. This community service-based class has been a long-standing tradition at Pin Oak and is thought by Pin Oak administrators to be the most rigorous project offered at the middle school level.
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