HONORS, AWARDS and ACHIEVEMENTS

The following article was submitted by Jack Anderson, coach of the Future Problem Solving teams.

Indian Valley High School and Indian Valley Middle School students represented the State of Pennsylvania at the 2009 International Future Problem Solving Competition which was held at Michigan State University May 27-31.

Our Middle Division Team members Ben Fowler, Suruchi Sheth, Nihar Suthar and Indian Valley Middle School student Selena Roman-White competed against 65 teams worldwide in the Middle Division Team Problem Solving Competition.

This year the topic for the Competition was Pandemic. Our teams had only two hours to examine and solve a future scene which took place in Ethiopia in the year 2035. Following the six step problem solving model the team lead by Ben Fowler was able to examine 16 possible challenges or problems that were likely to occur given the facts presented to them in the future scene. The team then selected one of their most pressing challenges to create what is called an underlining problem or UP. In step three team members had to develop 16 different solutions that would address or answer the key verb phrase and purpose stated in their UP. In step four team member Suruchi Sheth developed specific criteria to evaluate the team’s top 8 solutions. In step 5 the team had to apply the selected criteria and rank the top eight solutions to determine their best possible solution that would address the UP and have a positive impact on the future scene. In step 6 the team had to write a detailed action plan that would explain how the plan would be implemented, who might carry out the plan and how specifically the plan would solve the underlying problem and obstacles that might have to be overcome. When it was all said and done our Middle Division Team completed the six step process and came in second place in a field of 65 teams world-wide.

Devyn Arnold a sixth grade student from IVMS represented Pennsylvania in what is called the Alternate Competition. Devyn joined forces with students from California, New Jersey and Kentucky. The team of four was presented the same future scene and even though they had never met or worked with each other before they had to complete the six step process and develop an action plan. Her team came in first place in the Alternate Competition.

Our Junior Team members Jensen Graham, Lucy Crawford, Grace Wagner and Paige Stewart received a Finalist Award in Team Problem Solving. In a separate competition component our Junior Team came in third place in the first round of the Presentation of the Action Plan.

The teams competing at the International Future Problem Solving Competition represent the best of the best of the best from around the world. We would like to congratulate our stellar students from Mifflin County and teacher Jack Anderson. We would like to thank Mr. Runk and the Mifflin County School Board for their support. We also wish to thank the parents that traveled to Michigan State University to share and celebrate this monumental experience.

(L-R Bottom) P. Stewart IVMS 6th grade, G. Wagner IVMS 6th grade, D. Arnold IVMS 6th grade (Top L-R) L. Crawford IVMS 6th grade, J. Graham IVMS 6th grade, B. Fowler IVHS 9th Grade, N. Suthar IVHS 9th grade, Mr. Anderson, S. Roman-White IVMS 8th grade, S. Sheth IVHS

Junior Team :J. Graham, L. Crawford, G.Wagner, P. Stewart, Alternate D. Arnold

Middle Division: B. Fowler, S. Sheth, N. Suthar, S. Roman-White

(L-R) Amy Graham (parent) Mr. and Mrs. Sheth (parents) Mr. Anderson, B. Fowler, S. Roman-White, Eric Fowler (parent) S. Sheth

2nd row: L. Crawford, J. Graham, P. Stewart, G. Wagner, D. Arnold

Front: N. Suthar.

The Minute Men,

Each student will receive a $250 savings bond and will be named the 2009 Pennsylvania Entrepreneur Challenge Winners. Congratulations students, Mrs. Renninger and IVHS.

Mrs. Fisher said being named as one of three recipients of the award was "a real surprise. I still have trouble accepting it, but it is a great honor."

Congratulations Mrs. Fisher and thank you Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Committee for supporting the educational needs of our community.

Congratulations!

Following the conference, the students returned to their classes and started to write business plans as part of their course.  With the help of their teachers, Mrs. Fry (personal Finance), Mrs. Renninger (Economics A) and Mrs. Singer (Accounting),  their business plans were submitted in the 2009 Entrepreneurship Challenge for the Front Street Station Conference. The following student team business plans received awards:

• 1st Place
  • The Minute Men - John Bridgens, Aaron Reed, Brad Oburn & Jon Bell
• 3rd Place
  • Big Screen - Kate Peterson and Kayleigh Snook
• 5th Place
  • Eat Good, Live Good - Sami Aumiller, Tori Smith, Stephanie Weader, and Courtney Neal
• Honorable Mention
  • Waterfront Ice Cream - Tyler Hess, Jillian Shawver, Roxie Garrett, and Ryan Dailey
  • Eco Luminesence - Lauren Spigelmyer, Brittany Matthews, and Samantha Romig

The five winning plans from each Youth Entrepreneurship Day will now be entered into the statewide competition. State Finalists will be announced May 31, 2009. More Entrepreneurship Challenge information is available from EconomicsPennsylvania. 

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Aaron for this fine accomplishment.

Complete information is available from the IVMS web site >>

Katelyn performed an original composition on the cornet titled “ We’re Seeking” written by her father and uncles Paul and Charles Knickerbocker. She also performed the song “Breathe On Me” arranged by Gavin Whitehouse. She won first place in division one, which is for age twelve and under.

Katelyn barely had time to sit when she called to sing “Psalm 91” performed by all the contestants. She also sang “Pathway to Duty” and won first place vocal in division one.

Katelyn now gets to go on to Trenton New Jersey and perform both vocally and on the cornet, competing with all the winners from the Eastern US. Congratulation Katelyn!