It’s not just the cash and prizes that are helpful, explained guest speaker Paul Karafiol, math department member at Walter Payton College Prep High School, Intel’s 2010 Star Innovator winner.
“While the money can pay for staff [development], new student programs, and community events, some of the most memorable and impacting consequences of being a SODA winner are the new relationships we have with others. For example, we were visited in January by President Hu Jintao of China to take a look at our programs and specifically our AP Chinese classes. Additionally, he invited 20 faculty and students to China for the upcoming summer. We took him up on the offer,” said Karafiol.
Karafiol then discussed, and showed slides of, his school delegation’s trip to China, meeting Chinese teachers and students and developing a relationship that is now continuing across the ocean.
“That’s what we want to have happen as a result of these awards,” said Paige Johnson, global director of K-12 education at Intel. “We want you to be an example for others, to reach out to the community; we’ll also be using you as a show piece for how other schools might build on your excellence.”
Applications for the 2012 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards are due February 23. The applications can be found here.
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