By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, Ed.D.
ACREAGE HOME-It is very important that students are exposed to the STEM field at an early age so they can explore their interest and be exposed to more opportunities once they decide on a career that best piques their interest.
The Aldine Independent School District (AISD) is doing its part to expose and teach students about STEM. Recently, Carver, Blanson, and Eisenhower high school created a plan together to compete in the 2022 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). The FRC is an international competition that promotes schools and communities to work together to build a large 160lb robot that can travel up to 35 miles per hour.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for Pre-K-12 students that can be facilitated in school or in structured afterschool programs,” founded by noted entrepreneur and inventor Dean Kamen.
Carver High School has been privileged to have FRC National Champion coach Dr. Don Prier, who has been mentored by Edna Griggs since 2015. Dr. Prier formed a team in 1999 along with Jeneva Westendorff that took on the best in the nation and won.
Dr. Prier has been at Carver High School for the last two years and he has seen improvement in students’ interest. He stated, “When some kids first started the program, they had mediocre grades, but now they have good grades because they have a purpose now. They feel like they need to develop their skills so they can make robots and be competitive.” Students are also going out and developing their skills and even receiving job opportunities by companies who are interested in what they’ve built. Dr. Prier mentioned, “By doing the FRC, it has provided careers and students grow their skillset.”
The 44 Engineering Group took on a “daunting task, which was to build a robot that could pick up very large tennis balls and shoot them into a ring that was positioned ten feet above the ground and then pull itself up a structure.”
The robot they created was named Victory. It was painted blue and white in honor of George Washington Carver and his affiliation with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. The robotics team chose the name, “The 44” to give praise to the community of Acres Homes, as this is how it is identified by the bus line that transported Blacks and minorities to and from downtown Houston. “The robot was also styled to look like a bus to honor the community of Acres Homes and the location of Carver High School where the kids worked.”
This year, The 44 Engineering FRC Team won the Rookie Inspiration Award, which one of only four are given out at the FIRST World Robotics Championship.
Dr. Prier is very proud of his students and brought in an army of coaches and mentors to help including Timothy Lewis, Justin Long, Tracy Davila, Afton Greggs, Jonathan Valentine, Dr. Dee Wallace, Lillian J. Prier, Andrew Hartnett, Kevin Sevcik, Thuy Le, Lawrence Cook, Charles Carter, Allen Gregory, James Schattle, Tory Richardson, Ebony Taylor and Dr. Tracy Robinson.
October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
