ECHS Named As State Finalists In $25K Samsung Technology Contest

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County High School has been named one of the nation’s 255 state finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest, a program that encourages students to solve real-world issues in their community using classroom skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).
 
Students in Mrs. Nikki Culbreth’s classes and her FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) club were chosen based on their proposal to use STEAM skills for providing opportunities to the disabled and elderly citizens of Edmonson County, by way of allowing them to continue gardening and staying physically active. To tackle this project, students will use STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) skills to design and construct handicap accessible planting tables, as well as providing assistance and instruction in planting or use of the tables.

"We are so thrilled to be selected as a state finalist in the @SamsungUS Solve for Tomorrow contest," said Mrs. Culbreth. "This is an excellent way for our students to share the knowledge and STEAM skills they've gained across all curriculum here at ECHS and use it for the betterment of the citizens of Edmonson County."

Mrs. Culbreth said that their proposal's objective is to enable the elderly and handicap population to plant, cultivate, and harvest their own plants in an environment that is safe and accessible. ECHS students will use ChromeBooks to design the drafting tables. Students will work with various clubs, teachers, and other volunteers to construct the planter boxes using reclaimed and recycled materials.  The planter boxes will be delivered and the students will work in collaboration with the recipient to prepare and plant the crops.  The students will then accept applications from hopeful recipients through the media and community agencies for the planter boxes.

As one of five state finalists in Kentucky, Mrs. Culbreth will win a Samsung Chromebook® to use in her classroom,according to a statement from Samsung. ECHS will now have the opportunity to advance in the competition for additional classroom technology prizes. 

If named the Kentucky State Winner in December, Edmonson County High School will receive a $25,000 Samsung technology package.