Another week at MSS has passed with more exciting achievements, upcoming opportunities and much more!
Monday, April 8 was a PA day for students. This day was rescheduled from Friday, April 19, giving students the rare opportunity to watch the solar eclipse. Manitoulin experienced a partial eclipse starting around 3:20 pm, lasting about three minutes. The next total eclipse visible in North America will happen in 20 years on Tuesday, August 23, 2044.
The MSS robotics team sent a handful of members to participate in awards interviews at the Ontario Provincial FIRST Robotics Championship. Their robot stayed on the Island, undergoing repairs and improvements before its journey to Houston, Texas for the World Championship, which the team prequalified for with their global success last year. The robotics team was eligible for three awards and did not go home empty-handed. Manitoulin Metal’s lead mentor, Yana Bauer, became one of two Woodie Flowers finalists for her dedication to providing robotics to kids on Manitoulin. To be eligible, students on 6865 had to submit an essay about Ms. Bauer’s accomplishments. Here are some excerpts from her nomination essay:
“Ms. Bauer celebrates each achievement. She taught us to be proud of every step of our journey, whether it be repairing the robot, scouting or winning Impact finalists.”
“She learned pneumatics and swerve drive mechanics with the sole purpose of supporting students’ interests. In our off-season, she works to support team members’ fundraising and community projects, from supervising students at local fairs, showing members how to teach code, volunteering her yard for a Halloween fundraiser and promoting 6865.”
“Ms. Bauer’s uniquely large skillset gives rural Manitoulin youth a chance to explore STEAM. With Yana Bauer, possibility meets determination, showcasing the limitless possibilities that mentorship, communication and teamwork can achieve.”
Another Rainbow District School Board educator, Dan Monti, took the other finalist spot. Go, Northern teams!
An exciting opportunity for women interested in pursuing technology careers is coming up! On Wednesday, May 1 Cambrian College is hosting a day of workshops for girls interested in technology. Attendees can choose from various activities from working with artificial intelligence to exploring data analysis. Additionally, participants can tour Cambrian College’s campus, win prizes and experiment with gadgets and software. This day-long event empowers women to pursue careers they are often discouraged from and face barriers in accessing. MSS students interested in participating can contact Ms. Heinen.
Important dates coming up: Pre-NSSSA Badminton is on Wednesday, April 10; NSSSA Badminton is on Wednesday, April 17; The Robotics World Championships are from April 16 to April 22; and the Three Fires Confederacy Taco Sale is on Thursday, April 18.
That is all for this week! Until next time, go, Mustangs, go!
