Lake Hills STEM Magnet School and the Michigan City Robotics Team are among 15 teams that have been inducted into the Northwest Indiana Society of Innovators for 2012. The teams were recognized at a special reception on Thursday, October 18 in Hammond.
The Society of Innovators was established in 2005, and it is a project of the Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center of Ivy Tech Community College Northwest. It celebrates innovators and innovation across seven northwest Indiana counties: Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, and Stark.
Each year, the Society recognizes individuals and teams and confers upon them Honorary Lifetime Membership. Inductees are selected after a careful and rigorous review process, and they must “demonstrate a new way, a different way, or a better way for Northwest Indiana and contribute to the economic development and greater good of our region, state, nation, or world.” Principal partners and sponsors of the society include ArcelorMittal, Bukva Imaging, Horseshoe Casino, Krieg DeVault, NIPSCO, Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly, the Times Media Company, and the Center for Workforce Innovations.
Lake Hills was selected for induction based on its accomplishment as the only elementary magnet school in Indiana that is focused on STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. MC Robotics’ “Team Firehawk” was recognized for its receipt of the Rookie Team Award at regional FIRST Robotics Competition last spring, and for representing Michigan City at the National contest in St. Louis.
“We are so proud of Lake Hills and of the innovative work that is taking place there, through the integration of STEM in the classroom, and through partnerships with higher education, businesses, and community agencies,” said Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, Michigan City Area Schools Superintendent. “We are also thrilled to have a regionally recognized robotics team for our high school students, created by our Safe Harbor program in collaboration with numerous business and community partners. The fact that two of our own were among those recognized for innovation this year by the Society is truly remarkable.”
Representatives of Lake Hills and the Michigan City Robotics team were also honored by the MCAS School Board at its meeting on October 23.
At the Board meeting, Lake Hills Principal Connie Bachmann and STEM Specialist Shelley Deutcher provided an overview of activities taking place at the school, in the classroom, through after-school clubs, and as a result of community partnerships. Teachers Rebecca Kozlik, Shannon Chavis, and Susan Poehl described the integration of STEM subjects across the curriculum, the use of technology, and the field experiences and partnerships that have contributed to the school’s success. Three Lake Hills students also addressed the Board: Fifth grader Nyla Asad spoke about the "Green Team" and other student projects; fourth grader Delores Adams spoke about her family's participation and enjoyment of quarterly STEM activities, and fourth grader William Mansfield spoke about study trips.
Safe Harbor Coordinator Herb Higgin thanked the many business, community, and parent partners who assisted the Robotics team. He noted that this year, Lego robotics has started at the elementary and middle school level, and three Sea Perch underwater robotics teams have been established in Michigan City and neighboring districts. Michigan City High School sophomore Megan Ludwig spoke to the School Board about her experiences with the MC Robotics team; last year she served as Safety Specialist for Team Firehawk in competition.