Deja Vu

Newburyport High School once again stepped up to the Real World Design Challenge and once again finished first in the State of Massachusetts. Charlotte Vincent will do a detailed report in an upcoming blog with the "rest of the story". Plum Island Aerodrome under the direction of Steve Noyes played host for the award ceremony. The Aeronautics Division of Mass Department of Transportation arranged the event through the efforts of Steve Rawding and his staff. Steve was able to secure a showing of Terrafugia, the roadable aircraft (flying car if you insist) at the ceremonies.
Carl Dietrich, CEO of Terrafugia Inc. was on hand to demonstrate the concept.
His wife Anna and co-founder, as well as COO, was one of the guest speakers at the State award ceremony describing the evolution of the vehicle and directing the theme of "if you can dream it, you can do it" to the winning students.
The ceremony was well attended by the parents, Newburyport High's principal, Mike Parent, and Technology department head Steve Smith. Steve, by the way attended with a full knee brace, worn since slipping on the ice and tearing part of his quad from the kneecap (ouch). Sarah Leadbeater was home trying to get rid of a nasty bug. Unfortunately no one from the political scene was anywhere to be found. The winning team, named "Blackbirds" included Dan Colby, Ryan Campbell, Belle Douglas, Connor Gravelle, and Molly Picillo.

As I mentioned Charlotte's report will get into the details of the team and the awards ceremony. Thanks to Chris Willenborg and his crew from the Aeronautics Division for a great time. Thanks also to Steve Noyes and his band of volunteers for putting aside their projects to set up the aerodrome for another great day.