Broadcom MASTERS Rewards Top Schools and Teachers
On November 27, representatives from Broadcom Foundation and Elmer’s Products, Inc., presented awards to both the school and teachers of Raymond Gilmartin, winner of the $25,000 Samueli Foundation prize at the 2012 Broadcom MASTERS. Raymond won this prize for overall STEM excellence, mastery of STEM principles during the weeklong competition for finalists, and his project on the effect of rear spoilers on drag and lift in cars.
Paula Golden, Executive Director of Broadcom Foundation and Director of Community Affairs at Broadcom Corporation, presented a $1,000 check and plaque to South Pasadena Middle School. “Raymond’s teachers exemplify what every parent wants for his or her child: bright, engaged, forward looking educators to assess the strengths of a student and enable him or her to achieve personal goals through hands-on learning,” Golden said. “Raymond is the “Every-Child” we want our kids to be as STEM learners. He was curious about something in his everyday life, and he connected his curiosity to his school learning to apply knowledge to a subject he is now passionate about. Raymond is on his way to a STEM career – perhaps in physics or engineering; both of which he applied in his science project.”
Dave Incao, Vice President, Global Walmart Support for Elmer’s, presented teachers Emily Hoffman and Kathleen Bellinghiere each a $500 Walmart gift card in honor of their contributions to the success of their student. “Elmer’s is pleased to recognize Ms. Hoffman and Ms. Bellinghiere for the leadership and guidance they have provided to Raymond throughout the competition,” said Incao. “We are proud to support the Broadcom MASTERS and all those involved.” Elmer’s also offers up to $300 of savings for the classrooms of all Broadcom MASTERS nominees.
Awards are presented to the school and teachers of the Broadcom MASTERS grand prize winner at a school assembly to recognize the essential role that teachers and school communities play in the creative process and encourage other students to participate in hands-on independent science research.
In addition to the award presentations, 7th and 8th grade students heard a brief description of the Broadcom MASTERS program, viewed a highlights video that included Raymond’s winner announcement and clips of the hands-on challenges finalists competed in, and learned about the importance of participating in the science fair.
Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology, and Engineering for Rising Stars), a program of Society for Science & the Public is the national science, technology, engineering, and math competition for U.S. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, that aims to inspire and encourage the nation’s young scientists, engineers and innovators. Students are nominated to apply for Broadcom MASTERS after placing in the top 10% of their regional fairs, providing a great opportunity for students to participate nationwide.
