For Immediate Release

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Two Melrose Elementary School Students Receive Curiosity Challenge Awards

MELROSE— Winthrop Elementary School Principal John Maynard is pleased to announce that two Melrose students earned a Curiosity Challenge Award this week.

Over the winter, Melrose elementary school students submitted entries to the 11th annual Cambridge Science Curiosity Challenge, which asked students between the ages of 5 and 14 to write an essay, draw, or take a picture of something they were exceptionally curious about, and how it prompted them to explore the world.

Winthrop students who were interested in participating in the curiosity challenge worked with their peers in class to formulate a question and submit their entry.  Winners were announced on April 23 at the Cambridge Science Festival —  an initiative that aims to make science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics accessible and fun for all.

Second grade student Emma St. Arnaud, accompanied by her teacher Amy Ogiba, received an award for her “How Is a Pencil Made?” entry. Third grade student Emma Drago, accompanied by teacher Kim Dulong received the award for her “How Do Self-Driving Cars Work?” entry. Out of approximately 3,400 participants in the Curiosity Challenge, only 120 students received the award.

“To have two students, out of more than 3,000 entries, win this award is a great accomplishment,” Principal Maynard said. “We hope they remain curious and inquisitive in their future studies because one of the best ways to learn is to ask questions.”

As part of the awards ceremony, each student got a curiosity button, rubber wristband, a bag, a book with their work published in it and were called on stage to receive a certificate of accomplishment.

“I really thought it was great that our entire class participated in this challenge,” Ogiba said.  “It was fantastic to see how curious and creative all of the students were.”

“The Curiosity Challenge was a fantastic way for our students to brainstorm about what they were curious about in the world and was a great introduction to inquiry science,” Dulong said. “All of the students were so engaged and supportive of one another working on these projects and we are so thrilled that two of our friends, Emma Drago and Emma St. Arnaud, were chosen out of 3,000 entries! Attending the celebration was very exciting for myself, Mrs. Ogiba and our students. It was such a wonderful way to collaborate with another grade level and see students so intrigued about science and learning!”

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