Rochester students give Max the Moose a mural makeover
CONCORD— A masterpiece has been born thanks to a group of talented high school artists and a giant stuffed moose desperate for some new scenery.
Spaulding High School students recently took on an exciting challenge – designing and painting a new mural for the state of New Hampshire’s beloved mascot, Max the Moose, which is housed at the New Hampshire Department of Education.
The winning artists from a statewide student art contest spent about a month bringing their vision to life, using paints and paint markers to transform Max’s space. After three creative sessions from last December to the end of January, the once-plain wall now bursts with color, showcasing a vibrant scene of New Hampshire’s iconic White Mountains.
“From a blank canvas to a work of art – this mural has transformed our lobby into a fun, vibrant and colorful place to gather. It is a new focal point for Max and a conversation starter for visitors,” said Commissioner Frank Edelblut of NHED.
The students all agree – this was a one-of-a-kind experience that pushed their creativity, teamwork and artistic skills to the next level. And Max? He is proudly enjoying his new, picturesque surroundings in the lobby.
UNH offering free summer STEM programs for middle and high school students
DURHAM — This July, UNH Tech Camp will be offering a number of free week-long STEM programs for middle and high school students focused on regenerative medicine and biofabrication. These subjects will all be explored through an experiential, project-based learning format that emphasizes creative thinking, problem solving and having fun. Day and residential options available; all STEM experience levels are welcome to apply. Programs run between July 7-25 on the Durham campus; applications are now being accepted.
A special program for students who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM-related fields is also being offered at no cost this summer. Open to grades 5-12, the Dinah Whipple STEAM Academy is an immersive educational program that explores science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM), as well as topics related to the Black experience. The program runs from July 21-25.
These free programs are being offered as part of UNH Tech Camp, a longstanding summer youth program for grades 5-12 held on the UNH Durham campus. Founded in 2007, Tech Camp offers a wide array of summer STEM programs ranging from video game design and forensic science to rocketry and space exploration. Need-based scholarships are available for all programs that aren’t being offered at no cost.
For more information about UNH Tech Camp, please visit ceps.unh.edu/outreach/tech-camp.
Seacoast Community School opens registration for summer program
PORTSMOUTH — Seacoast Community School announced that registration is now open for their Summer PEAK program.
Each year, SCS welcomes over 90 campers from kindergarten through 8th grade (ages up to 14 years).
To learn more about the Summer PEAK program at Seacoast Community School, visit Seacoast Community School Summer Programs. Please note that space is limited.
Greenland Central School students participate in Invention Convention
GREENLAND — Forty-eight students at Greenland Central School participated last week in an Invention Convention that involved being judged on the presentation of your invention by five judges, including the SAU 50 superintendent, assistant superintendent, school board members, GPO members, and other community member volunteers.
There was an award ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 12, at GCS where the winners were announced and awarded trophies. The first-place winners will be nominated to participate in the Regional Northern New England Invention Convention being held at UNH on Saturday, March 22.
Grades 1-2
First place: Teach Me Toothbrush – Isabella Quinlan and Stella Prien
Second place: Ball Blocker – Jack Hawkins
Third place: Super Travel Vending Machine – Ella Endres
Grades 2-3
First place: Toastybrella – Ava Bacon
Second place: The Bubble-Ubble – Kaia Williams
Third place: Saver Slide – Lily Endres and Peyton Lighthall
Grade 4
First place: Barn Buddy – Anna Couture and Paige Gordon
Second place: Trash Trapper – Bennett Knowlton
Third place: Clean Drip Water Bottle – Selas Dietrich
Grades 5-8
First place: Fire Guard – Annabelle Farley
Specialty Categories
Environmental: Trash Trapper – Bennett Knowlton
Humanitarian: Clean Drip Water Bottle – Selas Dietrich
Entertainment: Robot Mario – Ashton Brown
Health & Safety: Laundry Grabber – Drew Larrabee and Cameron Kackenmeister
Challenge: SAFER WORLD Aqua Boost – Cici Teeden and Nina Teeden
People’s Choice: Safe to Skate – Austin Hawkins, grade 3
Overall Winner: Safe to Skate – Austin Hawkins, grade 3
Invention Convention Accolades
Parent organizers: Beth Hawkins and Claudia Bartolini
Judges: David Hobbs, Tatiana Szaplicki, Brian Gibb, Steve Zadravec, Kevin Bowersox, Jennifer McDonough, Scot Hopps, Dennis O’Neil
Student judges: Josh Kelley and Mark Cheney
Teachers and staff: Jamie Hudson, Lauren Teeden, Randy Weld, Stephanie Downing, Alyssa Givens, Lynne Cheney, Maria Emory.