Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020 EHS takes first place in STEM Week Challenge By Christopher Roberson 781-321-7700 DISCOUNT FURNITURE COMPLETE LINE OF QUALITY FURNITURE AT LOW PRICES *BEDROOM SETS *DINING ROOM SETS *KITCHEN SETS ASHLEY SOFA $399.00 *SOFA / LOVE SEATS *TABLES & CHAIRS *COMPUTER DESKS ASHLEY BEDROOM SETS LAYAWAY PLANS AVAILABLE 42 Willow St., Malden, Ma. $895.95 T hree Everett High School juniors recently received first place honors in the high school division of this year’s STEM Week Challenge with an app designed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Breetika Maharjan, Alyssa Hurley and Lakisha Kirnon, students in Anna Seiders’ math and engineering classes, created Speckles: The COVID-19 Fighter. The app offers a host of features ranging from the current number of positive cases in the city to a 24/7 hotline for anyone suffering from anxiety or loneliness. “In a district that is nearly 100 percent remote; developing authentic learning experiences feels almost insurmountable. This project could not have come at a more perfect time,” said Seiders. “Not only did it fit perfectly in my curriculum, but it also allowed my students to engage in a real world problem that drastically impacts their community. To be able to integrate the COVID-19 pandemic into our class and give my students an opportunity to discuss, design and develop meaningful solutions was so powerful. This applied learning project was a meaningful way for them to see how what they learn in class directly affects their neighborhood as well as inspire them to consider different STEM career pathways for their futures.” Seiders lauded the efforts of her three juniors that resulted in the first place finish. “I am extremely proud that my students came up with such a valuable product for their community,” said Seiders. “During the time of virtual learning, everything is hard and new. Collaboration has never been more challenging, but yet they surpassed all barriers. All of my students learned a lot through this activity.” A Boston civil engineer was also impressed with the design of Everett’s COVID-19 app. “This app goes above and beyond the task of contact tracing, devising a comprehensive view of how to flatten the curve,” he said. “I would absolutely download this app and feel confident that my community would be safer as a result.” Everett and other top teams in the competition will have the opportunity to pursue further collaboration with experts at IBM iX, Dell Technologies, the New England Aquarium, Partners In Health and Bionic Project, Inc. “The projects submitted for the STEM Week Challenge reinforce how effective applied learning is when it comes to engaging students and driving authentic learning,” said Katherine Skrivan, director of Mass STEM Hub. “We’re proud of all the students who took their learning to the next level by submitting their projects for review and feedback by STEM professionals.” City tree lightings slated for Dec. 3 M ayor Carlo DeMaria will be remotely conducting the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lightings on Thursday, December 3. This year’s festivities that we all look forward to have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be trees lit at the Everett Housing Authority, Wehner Park and Everett Square. However due to the pandemic, these events will be closed to the public and shared virtually on Facebook Live. “Christmastime is a wonderful time of the year and I am excited to begin the Christmas season with our Tree Lightings,” said DeMaria. “This year has been challenging for our community and I hope lighting our trees can provide a small glimmer of hope. It is truly unfortunate we cannot welcome the community to join us for the festivities; however, health and safety come first.” The Tree Lightings will take place during the evening hours on December 3. Below is the schedule for the events: ● Everett Housing Authority (381 Ferry St.) at 4 p.m. ● Wehner Park (Broadway and Lynn Street) at 5:30 p.m. ● Everett Square (Broadway) at 7 p.m. Residents are welcome to visit the mayor’s Facebook page, @mayordemaria, during these scheduled times to participate. The City of Everett hopes that the Tree Lightings will bring the community joy and happiness throughout the holiday season. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net STARTING AT
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