SRC ENCOURAGING FORWARD-THINKERS

By: Michelle Morris

Communications Officer

Scientific Research Council

Being aware that science, technology and innovation (STI) are key factors in the progression of a society, Scientific Research Council (SRC) assumed the responsibility of creating forward-thinkers in the area of STI for a better tomorrow. As such, a good place to begin was with the youths of our society, which lead to the birth of the SRC’s Essay and Poster Competition for students.

According to Kerry-Ann Curtis of the SRC’s Science and Technology Education Unit, “the competition encourages students to express creative abilities, while portraying the importance of various scientific and important environmental issues. It also gives students significant practice in scientific writing techniques, which are vital skills for those making the transition to tertiary institutions.” Dr. Chadwick Anderson, Executive Director of the SRC, also reiterated this point as he stated that the topics in the competition dealt with global issues for which solutions are being sought. “SRC has brought these issues to the attention of the students. We want them to be creative thinkers who can bring solutions as we move ahead. This is one way to recognize that STI is the way forward for job creation, medical advances etc.”

The competition which was open to both primary and high schools, focused on various environmental and scientific issues affecting our surroundings, namely: agriculture and agro-processing, creating new industries; earth science; energy; environmental science; Information technology; mitigating natural disasters; clean coal: a future reality; protecting our forests; information protection and security; health and wellness; science and technology influencing the way of life and standards creating accessibility for all. Students were encouraged to offer creative solutions through art and writing. This was thoroughly executed by all participants who forced judges into a difficult position, as most works demonstrated careful thought, exceptional illustrations and crafty use of language.

The SRC along with sponsors Bureau of Standards, LIME and Supreme Ventures presented trophies and cash awards to approximately seventy winners selected from schools from all three counties in Jamaica, ranking first, second and third. The competition was held in April at the Stella Maris Pastoral Complex. The Scientific Research Council extends felicitations to the students and teachers for excellent entries in the competition.

Mr. Clyde Clarke Art teacher of Cornwall College receives the trophy for

Overall Winning Poster from LIME representative Shelly-Ann O'Connor.

Looking on are Mr. Hawthorne Watson, SRC (second left ); Mrs. Doreen Dietrich, SRC (third left);

Dr. Chadwick Anderson, Executive Director, SRC (centre)

and Mr. Junior Gordon, Acting Executive Director, BSJ (third right).

They are joined by students of the winning school Cornwall College.

Sponsor representatives of the Essay & Poster Competition proudly display their gifts of framed poster entries.

From left to right: Ms. Shelly-Ann O'Connor (LIME), Mr. Donald Miller (National Foundation for the Development of Science & Technology),

Ms. Charmaine Lawson (Supreme Ventures Ltd.) and Mr. Junior Gordon (Bureau of Standards Jamaica)

Team Leader of the Popularization Unit at the SRC Mrs. Doreen Dietrich (right) and

Mr. Hawthorne Watson, manager Information Services, SRC (left)

admire the winning poster in the Information Security category created by Sean-Michael Salter of Cornwall College.