HMS Student Wins Contests
Seventh Grade Student Wins 'Honorable Mention' in Essay Contest
Elizabeth Bond, a seventh grade student on the Emerald Team at Highlands Middle School, received an "Honorable Mention" and a $100 savings bond prize for her essay submission in the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) 2009-2010 essay contest. The SACP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of analytical chemistry through science education. The annual essay contest is open to students from schools across western Pennsylvania and in West Virginia. Mrs. Natalie Cale, HMS Science teacher, encouraged Elizabeth to enter the contest based on her genuine interest in writing and her level of committment to tackling and completing projects independently. Students were asked to write an essay answering the following question:
As the world population grows, there is the strong possibility that the shortage of fresh, clean water will be a serious problem in the near future. What new technologies or policies should be considered to recycle, conserve or create new sources of fresh water?
| Reusing Water Invention By Elizabeth Bond As the worlds population grows, there is a possibility of a shortage of fresh water in the future. Due to that belief, I have designed a special invention for renewing water. The invention, called the Condensation Digester and Purifier (CDAP), is created to consume condensation amongst the grass after rainfall but not enough to dehydrate the grass. In addition, once the condensation is consumed and digested the water is tested for germs and other bacteria substances. If bacteria or other possible substances are not recognized or discovered, the water will continue to be reused for different purposes. However, if the water is manifested with bacterium, that is not a hassle. The CDAP will boil the water to perfection, and then the water will be refrigerated and retested for unhealthy substances. If the water test reads germ free, the water is acceptable for drinking. Also, the Condensation Digester and Purifier is very simple to maneuver. It is transported like a lawn mower. However, the bottom half that contains the water can be separated to be portable. In addition, inside the water carrier there is a built-in miniature water boiler as well as an automatic refrigerator. Next, you can attach the CDAP to your faucet and use it as regular water from the spigot. As a bonus the CDAP is 100% green. It does not use any variety of gasoline, oil or any harmful fuel. It runs on grass and electricity. So the Condensation Digester and Purifier is 100% unharmful for the environment, portable and easy to use on a regular basis. As well as conserving water, you also get your lawn mowed. In conclusion, in the future, as the worlds population increases and water supply becomes rare, our society should use the CDAP to recycle and conserve water. |
Sixth Grade Student Wins First Runner-Up in Essay Contest
Michael McCloud, a sixth grade student at Highlands Middle School, received the first runner-up award at the Hightower Early Success Scholarship oratory competition that took place on February 20 at Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in New Kensington. Micheal won a $100 savings bond and other gifts, based on the content and delivery of his essay. The Hightower Early Success Scholarship is a contest provided by
Hightower Scholars, Inc., a non-profit organization whose mission is to assist students with their preparation for a post-secondary education at a four-year college or university. The organization also seeks to help students with funding their education by offering scholarships to qualified students. In addition, the organization encourages and invites parental involvement in the collegiate enrollment process. Students were asked to write an essay describing the following:
"Describe an instance when you took a risk by making a choice or decision,
or by taking action against what your peers would consider normal or popular."
This article originally published in February 2010.
