Sebastian School concludes grant project

Donna Lueders, the Executive Director of the St. Johns County Education Foundation, reported to Historic City News that the school’s “Virtuality to Reality” project has concluded.

Through a science, technology, engineering and math work grant awarded by AT&T, Christine O’Kon and Chassity Johnson were able to challenge Sebastian Middle School seventh grade students to design an acoustically sound hallway.

“Virtuality to Reality” successfully concluded with the end of the school year with help from Rulon Company; a leader in quality manufactured suspended wood ceilings and acoustic wooden walls. Forty-four students from Sebastian applied mathematical applications into machines that cut the wood needed to construct the hall.

“We are so proud of everyone evolved in this project and we are pleased to see such a passion for learning,” Lueders told Historic City News. “We are so thankful for the opportunity to present this grant to our local schools and we look forward to working with Rulon Company in the future.”

O’Kon and Johnson achieved their goal of promoting an understanding and interest in the field of engineering and Rulon Company was able to help provide the tools and expertise necessary for its success. Problem-solving, real-world application of science, technology, engineering and math education concepts and critical thinking skills were all key elements of the project.

“By concentrating on the science, technology, engineering and math curriculum, this program will provide real life experiences that can help increase the number of Florida’s students graduating high school college- and career-ready,” said Marshall Criser, III, AT&T Florida President.

Thirty-one projects have been funded thus far; benefiting 2,477 students and 88 teachers around the state.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by SJCEF