Chapter Focuses on STEM in March

The chapter unofficially made March science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) month, and it showed at the monthly luncheon. The chapter was pleased to present Randall Stafford with a STEM Teaching Tools Award to assist the 9th grade physics teacher at Rome High School, just northwest of Atlanta. Stafford showed a short and fascinating video of a robotics competition where his students participate annually. The funds awarded to him will go a long way to procuring motors, gears, PC boards, servos and other big-ticket items needed to compete. Brian Cosgrove and Chris Pugel, two students from Archer High School, demonstrated their award winning hydrogen fuel generator they created, tested, implemented (to power a lawn mower) and patented. Their efforts epitomize the STEM focus and became the chapter's selection as best project in the Gwinnett County Science and Engineering Fair. The chapter also recognized two young Guardsmen for their efforts during the 2014 snowstorms that stranded thousands on Atlanta streets in January and February: Specialist Shannon Haynes, who was the Georgia Army National Guard honoree, and Tech. Sgt. Anthony Nickell of the Georgia Air Force National Guard, who was unable to attend the luncheon. The chapter is also sponsoring the first annual Motorcycles for STEM fundraiser in May 2014. Similar to AFCEA's Cycle for STEM event, participants will help raise awareness and funds for STEM with a beautiful ride from Atlanta to the famous Dragons Tail in North Carolina. See www.afcea-atlanta.org for details.

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