Pomperaug High School Wins 8 Awards at the CT Student Innovation Expo

On June 6, 2015, 78 Pomperaug High School students and 11 teachers from Region 15’s Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences Program attended the Connecticut Student Innovation Expo at the XL Center in Hartford.

Pomperaug students were awarded for their hard work and dedication to their projects this year.

Students in grades 9-12 showcased their Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (S.T.E.M.) projects alongside hundreds of others from across the state, with an emphasis on the six critical skills of the Academy: Problem Solving, Innovation, Collaboration, Information Literacy, Communication, and Responsible Citizenship.

Each project included an extensive online presence, data analysis, exhibition booth (many with functioning prototypes), and an oral presentation with integrated technology. The theme of this year’s competition was Balance, with additional requirements relating to the science and math content of each grade level.

Pomperaug High School received the most awards this year of all the competing schools, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Academy site coordinator, Brian Jehning.

“Every year we are proud of our students who participate in the Student Innovation Expo,” said Jehning. “Our school buses always come back a little heavier each year, due to the many Expo awards we receive. This year, PHS brought home eight plaques, including two Capstone awards, which we will prominently display at school.”

Senior Liam Kuck took home the Senior Capstone Award for Mastery of the Six Critical Academy Skills with his project, “Always Aware.” Senior Grace Ziemke captured the Senior Capstone Award for Outstanding Application of the Arts and Humanities with her project, “Mood Swing.”

The 11th Grade Academy Team took two awards: First place in the 11th grade division, and Outstanding Overall 3D Modeling and Animation for their Project Think Nature: “Be Filtered.”

The 10th Grade Academy team took home the award for Second Place overall in the 10th grade division for their project, “S.N.I.F.” by Dog Detection.

The 9th grade academy team took second place in the 9th grade division with their project, “Concept Chromatic.”

The PHS E-Commerce class took 3rd place for their work on “Disinte-glue,” as well as the overall award for Outstanding Interpretation of the Innovation Expo Theme award after presenting their project in front of the entire XL Center arena during the closing ceremonies.

The Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences is a sequence of connected courses (including science, math, and technology) that incorporates project-based learning in a blended environment. All science and math courses meet current Connecticut curriculum standards. Technology courses address important skills and emerging media in the digital arts.

Students complete an extended challenge component culminating with a presentation at the Connecticut Student Innovation Expo and have the opportunity to participate in the CT Student Film Festival. Students in the Academy will develop and maintain a digital portfolio and can share their site with peers, parents, prospective employers, and college admissions officers.

Blended learning utilizes a teacher-facilitated, student-centered environment that includes online and experiential components to strengthen classroom learning. Students and teachers meet at colleges and corporate campuses to learn from business professional and field experts.

CUTLINES:

The Pomperaug High School 11th Grade Academy Team took two first place awards for their project, Think Nature: “Be Filtered.” Pictured from left to right: Brian Marganski (teacher), Ian Furr, Kyle Berkowitz, Rouwang Jian, Brandi Carew, Molly Richardson, Mason Lee, Hunter Jones, Helmon Betancourth, Trevor Adams. Missing: Alexa Pietrini, Thomas Pendagast, and Chemistry teacher Rob Mazuroski.

PHS Senior Liam Kuck took home the Senior Capstone Award for Mastery of the Six Critical Academy Skills with his project, “Always Aware.” Senior Grace Ziemke captured the Senior Capstone Award for Outstanding Application of the Arts and Humanities with her project, “Mood Swing.”