MDA Summer Camp

From August 14-19, I volunteered at Utah's Muscular Dystrophy Association's (MDA) Summer Camp!  MDA puts on two different weeks of summer camp, camp for ages 6-12 and 13-16.

MDA Summer Camp allows kids in different stages of Muscular Dystrophy to participate in a week of activities they would not normally be able to participate in.  Camp is FREE for campers and volunteers because the generosity of sponsors.

This was my second year of volunteering at MDA's Summer Camp!  I was paired with a camper named Amanda, she loves animals and art!

 In our skit, we put on "MDA's Got Talent!" I was 'Miss America"--the MC!

Being paired with a camper for a week of summer camp provides you with the opportunity to give back to the community and provide for all the needs of another person. 

 These are a few of the girls who were in my cabin, we are ready for the annual MDA Dance!

 Promoted STEM to both campers at volunteers during the week!

Assisting Amanda with archery, it was one of her favorite activities!

Engineering Mini-grants

5-12th grade students in the Jordan School District! Do you want to create new innovations? For FREE?! Apply for Engineering Fair Mini-grants (up to $60 per project)! Applications are accepted until December 17, 2014. Click here for the application!

Promoting Engineering Fair

Last night I had the opportunity to again talk to the audience before and during intermission at the Riverton Arts Council's production, Into the Woods.

I spoke to elementary aged girls as well as girls who are going into middle school and high school about participating in Engineering Fair as well as applying for the Engineering Fair mini-grants.

Engineering Fair is similar to science fair, except you create a new innovation and establish a design criteria.  The design criteria might include: innovation operates safely, requires minimal maintenance, works with high efficiency, etc.

I encourage all students in fifth through twelfth grade to participate in their school's science fair by submitting an Engineering Fair project, my curriculum can be found at engineeringfaircurriculum.blogspot.com.

For student in the Jordan School District, Engineering Fair mini-grants (up to $60 per project) are available to offset the costs of prototyping.  The application as well as the Engineering Fair Curriculum are found at http://www.jordanstem.org/engineering-fair-mini-grants/.
The application is accepted on a rolling basis until December 17, 2014.

I originally compiled this Engineering Fair Curriculum and applied for the 2013 Zions Smart Women Smart Money grant (to provide the Engineering Fair mini-grants to students in the Jordan School District) because of my experience with Engineering Fair.

In 2011, I prototyped nine different light fixtures to prevent light pollution; I placed First at the Central Utah Science and Engineering Fair (CUSEF) and was invited to compete at the International Sustainable World (Energy, Engineering, Environment) Project Olympiad (I-SWEEEP).

I placed Third Internationally in Engineering at I-SWEEEP and compiled the Engineering Fair Curriculum to provide other students with the opportunity to utilize their creativity to innovate solutions.

Bluffdale Parade and Volunteering at the Chuckwagon

Yesterday was my final parade as Miss Riverton; we participated in the Bluffdale parade.  My favorite part about parades is there are many elementary and secondary aged girls who either participate in the parade or are there with family.

The parade entry before the Riverton City Float was UPA Cheer!  I had the opportunity to speak to these cheerleaders and gave them STEM Princess pins (their favorite subject in school is math)!

Following the parade, I also had the opportunity to volunteer with Bluffdale City and their Royalty in the Chuckwagon food store.  I took orders and money and spoke to several families about their interest in STEM.  It was a great morning and afternoon!

Into the Woods

On Friday evening, I had the opportunity to introduce myself and start the opening show for the 2014 Riverton Arts Council's musical Into the Woods.

Before Intermission, I had the opportunity to again speak to the audience about my platform, STEM Not Only for Men, and invited members of the audience to come and talk to me and receive a STEM Princess pin.  

I was able to speak to a few girls about STEM and their interests outside of school and gave them each STEM Princess pins.  On the back of each pin is the QR code for the Engineering Fair Curriculum I authored.  I am encouraging students in fifth through twelfth grade to participate in Engineering Fair this year and create new innovations!

Promoting the STEM Curriculum and Engineering Fair Mini-grants

Prior to being crowned Miss Riverton, KUTV Channel 2 News filmed this news segment about the Engineering Fair Curriculum I authored for students in 5-12th grade.

Additionally, I authored and received the 2013 Smart Women Smart Money Grant to distribute my Engineering Fair Curriculum nationwide and provide students in the Jordan School District with the opportunity to apply for Engineering Fair Mini-grants.  These grants (up to $60 per engineering project) off-set the costs of prototyping.

During the 2013-2014 school year, two fifth grade girls who utilized my Engineering Fair Curriculum received recognition at the Central Utah Science and Engineering Fair (CUSEF).  One was the Grand Champion of CUSEF and the other placed First in Engineering!

For students in the Jordan School District, the Engineering Mini-grant application is available!  The applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but the final postmark deadline is December 17, 2014.

Link for the 2014-2015 Engineering Mini-grant application and Engineering Fair Curriculum:  http://www.jordanstem.org/engineering-fair-mini-grants/

Kayaking in a Crown, Kayaking for a Cause

As Miss Riverton, I have kayaked a total of 25.5 miles (24.5 miles left) to raise money for children being treated at Primary Children's Hospital! Help me reach my goal of raising $1,000 by donating at missamericaforkids.org/donate/kayakingforacause.

One of the most rewarding opportunities I have as Miss Riverton is the opportunity I have to talk to girls in the community.  While I was kayaking, I met two girls who are going into fifth and sixth grade.  They were both excited for school and excited for their new science and math classes!  I was happy to hear this because by fourth grade, girls start losing confidence in math and science.