BAMS national semifinalist in Samsung event

 The Bullitt Advanced Math and Science (BAMS) program has been selected as a National Semifinalist for “Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow 2012 Education Contest.” The contest focuses on exploring how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) can be used to improve the environment and the community.

   Phase one of the competitions involved an essay explaining the program’s STEM project. STEM concepts were used by the students to determine environmental impacts on the water quality of the creeks within Bernheim Research Forest and Arboretum. BAMS students were notified that they successfully completed phase one by an email from M. Stephen Brown, Samsung’s Sweepstakes Coordinator. BAMS has earned a Samsung laptop, camcorder and select Adobe software valued at $1,100.

“The kids are very excited for the recognition, especially given the small size of the BAMS Program compared to what must be larger schools throughout the country,” BAMS teacher Kelly Cleavinger said.

For phase two, BAMS students must produce a two-minute video entry submission using the Samsung equipment. This video will demonstrate how the students apply STEM concepts to perform environmental research in their community.

“Our two minute video will focus specifically on the Bernheim Wilson Creek work and hopefully involve testimonials from Bernheim administrators reinforcing the importance and value of the work we are doing,” Cleavinger said.

If phase two is successful, BAMS will advance to the third and final phase of the competition.

“As far as phase three, we are very hopeful and the kids believe we have a very good chance of winning,” Mr. Cleavinger said.

The total awards endowed this year exceed $1,000,000 in technology to the finalists and a trip to Washington, DC for a recognition ceremony. Mr. Cleavinger, fellow BAMS teacher Robert Davidson and Principal Brenda Pirtle are extremely proud of the students’ hard work that led to this recognition.

Bullitt County Public Schools has over 13,000 students in grades kindergarten through 12. There are 25 school facilities, a certified staff of over 900 and a classified staff of over 850 working every school day to make the district the leader in educational excellence.