Two local schools will be going head to head in the final round of the first ever Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge.
Glendon School and Dr. Brosseau School were announced as two of the eleven national finalists in the competition last week, which comes with $20,000 each in classroom technology.
“It was a little bit surreal,” said Vince Spila, principal at Dr. Brosseau. “It's exciting for the kids because it's something they're involved with, it's not just the staff doing it.”
Geared towards Grades 6 to 12, the challenge was designed to encourage curiosity and using STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) solutions to fix everyday problems in their local communities.
Each school was required to submit a short video outlining what the problem is and the initiative students are taking to resolve the community issue.
Students at Glendon School put their minds to work trying to figure out a way to alleviate the hardships people in their community were facing due to the economic downturn. After staff members at the school noticed students showing up hungry, they took it upon themselves to spur the development of a breakfast and hot lunch program.
While the group received a $3,500 grant from the Village of Glendon to keep the program running, due to the substantial number of students using it they needed to find a way to make it sustainable.
That's when the students stepped in to help out.
Together, the students constructed an indoor garden tower within the school to grow fresh vegetables. From there, the students took their idea one step further. They started growing foods in community gardens with the seniors in Glendon and in planters around the village.
“These students are a group of true altruists. They'll work hard to help others no matter what. During times like these, their actions are very important,” said Glendon School principal Janice Muench. “In a small village of 450 people, hard times like these band everyone together and that's exactly what's happening here.”
Over at Dr. Brosseau school, Grade 8 French immersion students decided to tackle the school's, and Bonnyville's, drinking water issues. After finding that the majority of the students in the school prefer to bring or buy bottled water instead of using the water fountain, the group decided to test the town's water.
“We found out that it's pretty good quality. The chemicals they use it what makes that funky smell and that's what turns the kids off about it,” explained Spila, adding that as part of their research the students took a tour of the local water treatment plant to see how it works.
“One of the things we were thinking about is getting a filtering station at the school where you can bring your bottle and refill it or drink water from it.”
With $20,000 in their pocket, Spila is excited for a Samsung representative to visit the school and discuss the possibilities for technology. At the top of the wish list is a new sound system for the gym, as well as replacing some of their old televisions.
“Our students are definitely caring for the environment and looking at what they can do to help not just the school, but the town, with the water and improving the water's taste.”
Both Dr. Brosseau and Glendon School have moved on to the final round with the chance to win one of two grand prizes. The winner receives not only an additional $50,000 in Samsung technology for their school but also the opportunity to host a celebration event.
Voting for the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Challenge is open from now until April 18. Go to www.solvefortomorrow.ca to watch the videos and cast your vote. The winner will be announced on April 25.
