Category Archives: Education

Grant Hier, Laguna College of Art and Design Chair Nominated for Pushcart Prize

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., Nov. 13, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) announced Grant Hier, Chair of Liberal Arts and Art History, has been nominated for the prestigious Pushcart Prize. Hier was nominated as an author and will choose which works he wishes to submit to Pushcart judges for consideration for inclusion in their revered annual anthology.

"It is wonderful just to be nominated and associated with such company," Hier said.

Previous Pushcart Prize honorees include such notable names as Raymond Carver, Junot Diaz, Kathy Acker, Andre Dubus, William H. Gass, Tim O'Brien and Kay Ryan - Poet Laureates, MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship recipients, New York Times bestsellers, and winners of the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, PEN/O. Henry and PEN/Faulkner Award, plus many others.

"I am honored beyond words," said Hier. "This is a dream come true."

"We are thrilled to see Grant's work receive the national attention and accolades it deserves," said LCAD President Jonathan Burke. "His work reveals an artist's eye for detail as well as a passion for his community and our shared history. Not only is he dedicated to his writing, but also to his students, who look to him for guidance and inspiration. We are very fortunate that Grant is part of our LCAD family." Hier has taught at LCAD since 1998.

In February 2015, Hier's book-length poem, "Untended Garden-Histories and Reinhabitation in Suburbia," was published by The Poetry Press and awarded the 2014 Prize Americana.

For more information about LCAD please visit: http://www.lcad.edu/.

About Laguna College of Art and Design:

Founded in 1961, Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) is one of the top art and design schools in the nation. LCAD offers undergraduate degrees (BFA) in Animation, Design + Digital Media, Fine Arts (Drawing and Painting), Game Art and Illustration, as well as Master of Fine Arts degrees (MFA) in Drawing and Painting and Game Development. Named by NIKE as one of the top three design schools in the world, LCAD is closely partnered with industry leaders such as Blizzard Entertainment, Disney Animation, DreamWorks, FOX, Hurley International, NIKE, VANS, Warner Brothers Animation and more.

For more information about LCAD visit http://www.lcad.edu/. Facebook at @LCADBFA, Twitter @LCAD and Instagram @lcadbfa.

* PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-1113-Grant-Hier-300dpi.jpg

* Photo Caption: Grant Hier, Chair of Liberal Arts and Art History at Laguna College of Art and Design has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/grant-hier-laguna-college-of-art-and-design-chair-nominated-for-pushcart-prize-2015-1113-05.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Laguna College of Art and Design :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Progress, Growth and Changing The World: Martial Artist Maria Turnhout Promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Nov. 9, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- On Saturday, November 21, 2015, KMA Black Belt Champions is proud to host their 16th ceremony showcasing the new Black Belts at their Sherman Oaks, California school. The celebration, at Van Nuys High School Auditorium, is the culmination of a three month testing process.

This year, the Fall Ceremony is exceptional. In addition to the First and Second Degree Black Belts, and Third Degrees the school now enjoys after 13 years of teaching, the community will be celebrating the advancement of the school's co-owner, Master Maria Turnhout, who received her Fifth Degree Black Belt in MMA on August 12, 2015, after training more than 30 years.

Master Turnhout, with outstanding references from leading martial artists, was promoted at a ceremony in Chicago by Great Grand Master Fred Degerberg, who was promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt at the same event. Becoming a 5th Degree Black Belt is a momentous achievement for a woman, of course, but it is a significant accomplishment for anybody.

After receiving her 4th Degree Black Belt ITF more than five years ago, and having been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame during that time and also becoming one of few females to earn a KRU in Muay Thai, Master Turnhout was a modern day Ronin, a masterless master. Master Turnhout reached out to then Grand Master Degerberg because of his renown in the blended martial arts curriculum and asked to study with him.

Leading students at her award-winning martial arts school in the San Fernando Valley meant she had to keep learning herself. The school Turnhout and partner Laura Welch (2nd Degree) built more than a decade before started as Kicks Martial Arts, utilizing her background in child psychology to create strong programs for kids. Growing to more than 250 students of all ages and stages, with special programs for adults and seniors, the school became known as KMA Black Belt Champions.

Less than 5 percent of the population participates in martial arts, and of those, many students stop training before earning a black belt, or just after, but at KMA Black Belt Champions, most of the students continue training "black belt and beyond." As typical in life, this attitude comes from the top down. The instructor team lets students know of their continued training around the country and the world, where blended styles of martial arts continue to evolve the multi-discipline program that is graded in Tae Kwon Do belt levels.

Maria Turnhout didn't start martial arts intending to get her Fifth or even Tenth Degree Black Belt. She started martial arts like all students, as a white belt, and wanted to grow her body and mind. "I found women in martial arts to be treated respectfully, not treated differently," Master Turnhout shared. An important fact thirty years ago, when there were very few women training in the art. Women now make up half of the student population at most schools.

Over the last three decades, Turnhout has seen martial arts become more professional, in ways of teaching, protective gear, and a growth in progressive martial arts schools that focus on Responsibility. "It's not just hands and feet," Turnhout explains. "Curriculum now includes mindset and training students to feel empowered. We train the brain, to be focused and victory oriented."

Turnhout delights seeing thousands of people walking through life more brave thanks to their training at her school and those like it. She embodies the concept of leading by example. Turnhout and the students at KMA Black Belt Champions don't get Black Belts (or 5th Degree Black Belts), they become Black Belts, transforming their own lives and the lives of those around them. Maria Turnhout received her new belt this summer, but she never considered a celebration of the wonderful accomplishment at the time. She was proud to celebrate her advancement with her own students at their semi-annual Black Belt Ceremony.

"Martial arts is progress, growth and change," Maria Turnhout tells her students, and shows them every day.

To learn more about KMA Black Belt Champions and Master Maria Turnhout visit: http://www.kmaonline.us/.

About KMA Black Belt Champions:

Based in Sherman Oaks, California, KMA is an award winning martial arts school teaching progressive mixed martial arts to children and adults.

* PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-1109-Turnhout-300dpi.jpg

Twitter: @kma_blackbelt

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NEWS SOURCE KMA Black Belt Champions :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

On-Bus Camera System Catches Drivers Who Ignore School Bus Stop-Arms

OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 14, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Across America millions of students travel to school in the more than 100,000 school buses that transport students daily, says Curtiss Routh of Radio Engineering Industries. As they get on or off the bus, each child is in danger of being hit by a motorist who disobeys the flashing red light of the bus's stop arm signal. Last year, nearly 76,000 illegal passes were documented during a one-day survey conducted nationwide - this translates to 13.68 million illegal passes annually. And there have been deaths.

A video camera system developed by an Omaha, Nebraska, manufacturing and engineering company improves student safety by spotting drivers making the illegal passes. Radio Engineering Industries has designed a system that attaches up to five video cameras on the side of a school bus. The cameras automatically record the make, model and license plate of vehicles that drive through the bus's extended stop arm. The system wirelessly sends the information to school officials who can analyze the data and send it to law enforcement for follow up.

It is illegal in every state to drive through the bus stop-arm, which extends a stop sign and triggers flashing lights when the bus stops to load or unload passengers. In some jurisdictions, video evidence can be used to prompt a citation and fines can be up to $500 in some states.

Last year, six school children were killed in the United States by vehicles that had been driven through stop-arms; since 1971 more than 1,200 fatalities have been recorded. In a one-day survey of 29 states, more than 97,000 school bus drivers reported nearly 76,000 illegal passes; across an entire 180-day school year, that comes to 13.68 million violations, according to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services.

School bus drivers, who are busy with students entering or leaving the bus, often do not have time to write down information about drivers who violate the stop-arms. The camera-capture system records violators, allowing bus drivers to concentrate on student safety.

In their home state of Nebraska, Radio Engineering Industries has partnered with Bellevue Public Schools to place systems on 10 of Bellevue's buses. Rich Casey, Bellevue Public Schools transportation director, said that last school year the district documented 163 violations and estimated there were more than 500 undocumented violations. While no students have been hit, the chances are greater when drivers violate the stop-arms.

"Cameras will not stop drivers from violating the law," said Curtiss Routh, vice president of sales at Radio Engineering Industries. "But if drivers know they will be recorded on video cameras, and if drivers are prosecuted, the illegal behavior may be reduced; statistics show that fewer than 1 percent of those ticketed receive a second citation." Routh said enhanced student safety is the top reason driving the installation of these systems.

Police also are involved in the partnership; they believe the cameras will be a valuable tool for driver education and enforcement. Statistics from America Traffic Solutions, a national company that supplies road safety camera equipment, indicate jurisdictions employing similar systems see significant decreases in stop-arm violations.

The Radio Engineering Industries system has rear- and forward-facing high-definition cameras that capture vehicles in up to four lanes of traffic going as fast as 100 miles per hour. The system works in the dark or during rain. The system records the vehicles' rear and front license plates, the bus's extended stop-arm and safety indicators, and uploads the data and video violation information to the school's computer, where officials can review.

Radio Engineering Industries was founded in 1938 and specializes in commercial electronics for manufacturers, suppliers and operators in the transportation and agriculture industries. The company employs about 135 individuals at its plant in Omaha.

For more information, visit: http://radioeng.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
For more information, contact Kathy Kirstine, Vice President, Marketing, Radio Engineering Industries, (kkirstine[at]radioeng.com).

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0915-rei-bus-cam-300dpi.jpg

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NEWS SOURCE Radio Engineering Industries :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Solar array project at Adams County Ohio Valley Schools nearing completion

TIPP CITY, Ohio, July 21, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In just a few weeks, Adams County Ohio Valley School District will harvest much of its electricity from the sun as part of an energy conservation project it has undertaken with Energy Optimizers, USA.

Work is nearing completion on the district's 535 KW solar photovoltaic array, with the entire array expected to be up and running in the near future. Once the project is complete, 100,000 square feet of solar panels will be utilized as part of the district's far-reaching effort to reduce its energy costs and environmental footprint. The photovoltaic solar array, in combination with several other energy saving measures, is expected to net the school district $259,330 annually in utility savings.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for the school district and the community," said Mark Wiley, president of Kastle Solar, LLC, the company that has installed the solar array. "This is a progressive move for the district, one that the entire community can take pride in."

In total, the district is making improvements to all seven of its buildings, including the Ohio Valley Career Technology Center. In partnership with Energy Optimizers, USA, the district has:
* Installed a 535 kW solar photovoltaic array, which is expected to provide the majority of the district's electricity
* Overhauled the CTC's boiler plant with new, energy efficient equipment
* Upgraded the CTC's fuel supply from oil to cleaner-burning propane
* Replaced interior lighting with more efficient lamps and remove unneeded lamps to cut waste
* Replaced exterior lighting by going to LED technology to improve energy efficiency while enhancing building safety, appearance and security
* Installed occupancy sensors on many light fixtures to reduce wasted electricity
* Installed advanced energy management controls to provide real-time, web-based monitoring and management of the district's HVAC systems
* Installed energy-saving features to the kitchen exhaust fans and coolers.

Projected energy savings are guaranteed for three years. Funding is provided through the Ohio School Facilities Commission's House Bill 264 program, enabling the district to make these cost-cutting improvements at no expense to taxpayers.

"We are excited about bringing these solar arrays online," said Superintendent Rodney Wallace. "It's the right thing to do for our students and our taxpayers. Not only will the arrays deliver significant savings in energy costs, it is also an excellent tool for educating students and the public about engineering concepts and environmental stewards through energy management."

The project has gained the attention of Ohio Senator Joe Uecker. "I applaud Superintendent Wallace and the Ohio Valley School District for promoting building improvements that protect the environment and put more funds back into our classrooms. Students now have more opportunities to excel academically while protecting the world they live in and understanding fiscal responsibility," said Senator Uecker.

The project partnership also includes the resources to launch a Green Team, an energy education effort that Energy Optimizers, USA promotes in all of its school-related energy conservation projects. In addition to funding the team for two years, Energy Optimizers, USA, will provide Ohio Energy Project academic materials that are aligned to Ohio's academic content standards. Green Team members will take part in STEM-related activities that are focused on energy conservation, while encouraging their peers to become more environmentally conscious. The solar array will become a live classroom for the Green Team members.

The district plans to hold a public event once the project is complete, with more information to follow.

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with educational, governmental, commercial and industrial customers to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. The company is ranked in the Top 500 of INC. Magazine's list of 5,000 fastest growing companies in the U.S. (2014), was named the Fastest Growing Company in the region for two consecutive years by the Dayton Business Journal (2013, 2014), and was named a BBB Eclipse Integrity Award Finalist (2012).

To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com/ or call them at (937) 877-1919.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/solar-array-project-at-adams-county-ohio-valley-schools-nearing-completion-2015-0721-01.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Energy Optimizers, USA :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools partners with Energy Optimizers, USA, to become first school district in Ohio with all LED lighting retrofits

TIPP CITY, Ohio, July 15, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Through its partnership with energy services firm Energy Optimizers, USA, Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools has become the first school district in Ohio to retrofit all interior and exterior lighting to LED.

LED lighting is valued for its efficiency and long life, which reduces both utility and maintenance costs. The new LED components will provide an average 60 percent reduction in energy use compared with the systems being replaced, which include fluorescent, halogen, incandescent and metal halide lighting systems. The energy savings will be complemented by a significant reduction in maintenance costs, noted Doug Trimbach, vice president of lighting services for Energy Optimizers, USA.

"The interior LED lighting systems have a performance life twice that of the fluorescent systems they are replacing, and the exterior LED components have a performance life four times that of the units they are replacing," said Trimbach. "That translates into fewer replacement parts being purchased, and it also means the maintenance staff can concentrate on other areas of operation."

Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools made the transition to an all-LED school as part of a $1.8 million energy conservation project that is expected to generate at least $222,382 in savings annually. The project also includes replacing some aging boilers and chillers with more energy efficient equipment, adding energy- saving features to the kitchens, and enhancing the buildings' temperature controls. The district expects to see a payback on these improvements in less than 10 years.

"We launched this project because we are committed to making the best, most cost-effective use of tax dollars possible," said Superintendent Dr. Keith St. Pierre. "Moving to all-LED lighting made sense. We wanted to take a proactive approach to energy savings and put in place the latest technology, rather than continue to rely on lighting systems that are-or will soon be-obsolete."

Funding for the project is provided through the Ohio School Facilities Commission's House Bill 264 (HB264) program, enabling the district to make these cost-cutting improvements at no expense to taxpayers. Under the HB 264 program, the energy savings cover the cost of the financing used to fund the projects.

"This is a very substantial and concrete commitment by the district's school board and administration to the students and taxpayers of their community," said State Representative Richard Perales. "The district will be positioned for both immediate and long-term financial savings, all of which will benefit the students and, by extension, taxpayers."

"I'm proud to represent such a forward-thinking district," Perales added. "It is innovative solutions like these that make our region stand out."

While the all-LED lighting will pay for itself through reduced utility and maintenance costs, it will also yield attractive energy rebates. With the assistance of Energy Optimizers, USA, the district obtained DRG3 Green Business Certification on seven of its buildings in April. The certification will increase the standard DP&L energy conservation rebates by up to 150 percent and earn the district additional rebates through DP&L, netting a significant savings. The rebates, combined with Energy Optimizers, USA's ability to purchase LED lighting at factory direct pricing, brought the project in line with the district's budget.

"This project will net Bellbrook-Sugarcreek some of the best rebates available in Ohio," said Trimbach. "This is a great head start on the yearly savings this district will see thanks to its smart approach to energy conservation."

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with educational, governmental, commercial and industrial customers to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. The company is ranked in the Top 500 of INC. Magazine's list of 5,000 fastest growing companies in the U.S. (2014), was named the Fastest Growing Company in the region for two consecutive years by the Dayton Business Journal (2013, 2014), and was named a BBB Eclipse Integrity Award Finalist (2012). To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com/ or call them at (937) 877-1919.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/bellbrook-sugarcreek-schools-partners-with-energy-optimizers-usa-to-become-first-school-district-in-ohio-with-all-led-lighting-retrofits-2015-0715-04.shtml.

Foundation Helps Nepali School and Community Bounce Back

KATHMANDU, Nepal, July 10, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Adelina Foundation of Torrance, California is assisting the World Mind Network in helping the TriKA school in Narayanpur, Nepal bounce back from the massive April and May earthquakes that devastated so much of the country.

According to Director John Toomey, the group will be visiting the school in late July to deliver needed water purification equipment, provide training on a new educational computer, introduce 3D printing to the students as a way to interest them in technology and art, and gather data to support similar future projects in the Philippines, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Although this region of Southwestern Nepal was not one of the most severely damaged areas, children in the area still live in fear of future quakes. The school was used as a shelter after the quakes for village residents whose homes were felt to be unsafe.

3D printing, which is almost unknown in Nepal, is seen by some as a way to help remote rural communities begin to build sustainable village enterprises.

The group also will be working with high school students in launching a social media campaign to publicize the dangers of anti-biotic overuse. In Nepal antibiotics are sold over the counter without prescriptions, and many disease pathogens have developed mutations which are resistant to common medicines. Students will develop informational media in local languages to inform the public.

In addition, the Foundation will help to create an online discussion group which will review the recently issued draft of the new Nepali Constitution. Nepal has been without a working constitution for years, and students and group members hope to initiate a national conversation about the new document's merits.

For more information, including opportunities for public participation, contact worldmindnetwork@gmail.com.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/foundation-helps-nepali-school-and-community-bounce-back-2015-0710-04.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE World Mind Network :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Laguna College of Art and Design Announces Jonathan Burke Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Celebration of 35th Anniversary

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., April 27, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) announced the Jonathan Burke Endowed Presidential Scholarship commemorating Burke's 35 years with the college.

"In my experience, LCAD is the finest of any and all art schools in offering the depth and meaning of representational and figurative art," said American Figurative Painter Jerome Witkin. "This is Jonathan Burke's monument and great gift to our culture."

Named by NIKE as one of the top three design schools in the world, LCAD is closely partnered with Blizzard Entertainment, Disney Animation, DreamWorks, FOX, Hurley International, VANS, Warner Brothers Animation and more.

"LCAD has grown in large part due to Jonathan," said F. Scott Hess, American representational painter and LCAD Fine Art faculty member. "He had the foresight and stubbornness to hang onto representational art when it wasn't popular, and it has paid off."

From 1985 to 2011, Burke was dean of fine arts, co-vice president of Academic Affairs and gallery director at LCAD. Burke oversaw the donation of the Rex and Joan Irving Brandt Papers to LCAD in 2011, which is now available online through Project Gado. In 2013, the Suzanne Chonette Senior Studios opened as state-of-the-art workspace for seniors.

"Everyone should realize that we live in an environment created by artists, whether its products we use, what we see at the movies, what's on our computer screens or art in galleries and museums," said Burke. "Artists are there to make the world a more interesting and beautiful place."

Burke holds a B.F.A. degree in painting from Kansas City Art Institute and M.F.A. degree in painting from Boston University, with post-graduate studies at Skowhegan and New York Studio School. Additional information about the Burke 35th Celebration may be found at http://www.lcad.edu/.

About Laguna College of Art and Design:

Founded in 1961, Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD) is one of the top art and design schools in the nation. LCAD offers undergraduate degrees (BFA) in Animation, Design + Digital Media, Fine Arts (Drawing and Painting), Game Art and Illustration, as well as Master of Fine Art degrees in Game Development, Drawing and Painting. For more information about LCAD visit http://www.lcad.edu/. Facebook at @LCADBFA, Twitter @LCAD and Instagram @lcadbfa.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/laguna-college-of-art-and-design-announces-jonathan-burke-endowed-presidential-scholarship-in-celebration-of-35th-anniversary-2015-0427-02.shtml.

Monrovia High School Robotics Team Advances to 2015 FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship for Second Year in a Row

MONROVIA, Calif., April 7, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Monrovia High Robotics Program announced today that the ten Monrovia High School students of the "Kings and Queens" robotics team and their purple robot "Sir Lancelot" qualified to advance to the 2015 FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics World Championships for a second year in a row as a result of their excellent performance at the West Super-Regional Robotics Tournament held in Oakland March 26-28.

The tournament brought together 72 champion teams who were winners at state and regional competitions held in 13 western states. The Kings and Queens will be among the 128 top teams from around the world to compete at the World Championships which will be held at the historic Union Station in St. Louis April 22-25. Only 42 teams who competed in last year's World Championship earned the right to come back again this year.

The Kings and Queens team, four seniors, one sophomore and five freshmen, designed and built their own 18 by 18 inch robot from t-slot channel, Plexiglas, and formed aluminum to compete in the annual FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics competition. Each year FTC creates a new game challenge and teams build a new robot to accomplish the requirements of that season's game. This season's challenge is to gather up hollow "wiffle" baseballs and golf balls from the playing field and fill goals made of vertical plastic tubes up to four feet high while never touching the tubes themselves.

The Kings and Queens are well known in the FTC community for their driving skill, unique robot designs, their signature costumes of purple velvet gold-embroidered renaissance dresses and gold tiaras for the girls and fur-trimmed black velvet jerkins with purple capes and gold crowns for the boys, and for their supporter's cheer of "Huzzah!" whenever they score points.

Team Captain Melissa Johnson commented, "We are so excited to advance to the World Championship, and very proud to represent both our school and the entire Southern California FIRST Tech Challenge region."

This marks the second trip to the world championships for Monrovia High School's five-year-old FTC robotics program which fields five student robotics teams supported by company sponsors, community donations, and parents, and is led by physics teacher Tom Dobson. The Monrovia High School robotics program is actively seeking tax-deductible donations and company sponsorships to help cover the approximate $12,000 cost of taking the team to St. Louis.

Donations may be made through the team's GoFundMe page at http://www.gofundme.com/kingsandqueens2015.

For additional info about the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics competition visit: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc.

Team on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FtcTeam4625 .

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0407-kingqueens-300dpi.jpg
Caption: Kings and Queens Team After Winning Top Inspire Award.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/15-0407-lancelot-300dpi.jpg
Caption: Kings and Queens Robot "Sir Lancelot."

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/monrovia-high-school-robotics-team-advances-to-2015-first-tech-challenge-world-championship-for-second-year-in-a-row-2015-0407-05.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Monrovia High Robotics Program :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

New Book, ‘The First-ever Baligham Village Mobile Health Fair’

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 31, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Margaret Galabe, author, award-winning humanitarian, philanthropist, and founder of Student International Development Engagement (SIDE), a program in which students travel abroad to enrich their global experience, contribute to development issues, shares her experiences as a member of the team that brought this pilot project to fruition in this meaningful, heartfelt, and insightful, illustrated book.

"The First-ever Baligham Village Mobile Health Fair" (ISBN: 978-1320315005) book is a story of mothers and their babies, families and the myriad of health concerns facing this underserved remote village in Cameroon. It transcends boundaries, North Toledo, in the U.S.A., a diversified group of passionate student volunteers from Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Germany and the Czech Republic.

"It grew out of an opportunity I saw to improve the health care and mortality rates of rural families, mothers and children in Baligham, a remote poor village in Cameroon," says Margaret Galabe.

Using a mobile health fair model, and a team of local and international volunteers planned, executed and assessed the success of the first-ever Baligham Village health fair. The experience of the team is described in this book, including the lessons they learned and the extraordinary gift they shared with members of this underprivileged rural village.

The most valuable chapter in the book isn't about the planning or execution (although they are certainly program priorities) but about the lessons learned. Every successful program must continue to evolve in order to sustain longevity despite the ever changing needs of the project. The goal of this book is to inspire and encourage others to take part in the important work being done via the Baligham Village Project.

"My experiences are shared in this book for those who will enjoy the encouragement and hope present in a story such as this, where strangers give and share of their time and talent in the service of others," Galabe adds.

The book is available for purchase online at Amazon at: http://amzn.com/1320315003 .

About Student International Development Engagement:

Student International Development Engagement, or SIDE for short, invites international students to attend a six week, highly intensive summer volunteering, service learning and internship, where they are culturally immersed in remote, rural villages in Cameroon, Central Africa, so as to gain a greater understanding of the issues that engulf the people of these villages. Through SIDE's mission, sustainable development initiatives and cross-cultural experiences are fostered.

SIDE is an agile, ambitious, collaborative and forward thinking non-profit organization that provides an unparalleled student service, ensuring it continues to foster stronger relationships with both its students and partners locally and internationally. SIDE was established in 2011 by award-winning philanthropist Margaret Galabe, who serves the organization as its executive director. SIDE is based in Palmdale, California, USA and Bamenda, Cameroon.

To see how SIDE can promote success through its student summer volunteering, service learning and internship programs, visit their website:
http://www.StudentInternationalDevelopmentEngagement.com .

VIDEOS:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvuxkKR6WPNDrb4KTLnfOZQ .

https://vimeo.com/studentinternationaldev .

Twitter: @StudentInDev https://twitter.com/StudentInDev .

* PHOTO for media (book jacket): Send2Press.com/mediaboom/13-0330-firstfair-300dpi.jpg .

Press Contact:
Margaret Galabe
Student International Development Engagement
Executive Director;
Email: margaret @ studentinternationaldevelopmentengagement.com
Phone: 661-456-2286.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/new-book-the-first-ever-baligham-village-mobile-health-fair-2015-0331-004.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Student International Development Engagement :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Energy Optimizers, USA sells lighting affiliate Lighting Optimizers, USA to focus on core business

TIPP CITY, Ohio, Jan. 26, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The owners of Energy Optimizers, USA have sold its affiliate company, Lighting Optimizers, USA, to Eco Engineering. This decision was made to ensure continued world-class service for Energy Optimizers' clients, while allowing the company to focus on and expand its core business of vendor-neutral energy efficiency projects for the educational, governmental, commercial and industrial markets.

Eco Engineering has acquired all of the assets of Lighting Optimizers, USA, and will become the principal provider of lighting design and upgrade services to Energy Optimizers, USA. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Nearly 100% of Lighting Optimizers, USA's associates were hired as full-time associates by Eco Engineering.

Greg Smith, president of Energy Optimizers, USA, and wife Stephanie founded Lighting Optimizers, USA, in 2011 to provide turnkey, professional lighting retrofit design and installation services for Energy Optimizers. Both companies, Energy Optimizers and Lighting Optimizers, have experienced tremendous growth in the past few years, topping numerous lists for fastest growing companies including Forbes Magazine's Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies in the United States.

"We realized that we needed to step back and focus on the core business, but not until we found a partner that could provide the same standards of quality, professionalism, competitive pricing and innovation that we demand of ourselves for our customers," Smith said.

Lighting is Eco Engineering's specialty, and Eco Engineering will become Energy Optimizers' partner in managing the lighting portion of their energy management agreements. "The services Eco Engineering provides are a natural fit for us," Smith said. "By combining the buying power of the two companies, we will be able to provide our customers the most competitive pricing while utilizing high quality products and service for our Energy Optimizers customers."

Both companies are working together to ensure that all current projects are completed as promised and to meet client expectations for satisfaction.

"There will be no change to clients in the pricing, implementation, warranty or management of current or proposed projects." said Bob Hausmann, Senior Project Manager for Energy Optimizers, USA.

Energy Optimizers, USA has experienced rapid growth since the business began in 2009. The company is ranked in the Top 500 of INC. Magazine's list of 5,000 fastest growing companies in the U.S. (2014) and was named the Fastest Growing Company in the region for two consecutive years by the Dayton Business Journal (2013, 2014).

Energy Optimizers, USA will expand its reach into the K-12 and higher education markets throughout the Midwest while delving more deeply into the local government, commercial and industrial markets. To date, customers have saved more than $8.4 million in energy costs while improving their facilities and protecting the environment. The companies eclipsed $14 million in revenue in 2014 and seek to reach $20 million in revenue by 2016.

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with educational, governmental, commercial and industrial customers to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. The company is ranked in Top 500 of INC. Magazine's list of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in the U.S. (2014), was named the Fastest Growing Company in the region for two consecutive years by the Dayton Business Journal (2013, 2014), and was named a BBB Eclipse Integrity Award Finalist (2012).

To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com/ or call them at (937) 877-1919.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/energy-optimizers-usa-sells-lighting-affiliate-lighting-optimizers-usa-to-focus-on-core-business-2015-01-0126-004.shtml.

Rittman Schools expect to save $15,000 annually through partnership with Energy Optimizers, USA

TIPP CITY, Ohio, Dec. 8, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Rittman Exempted Village School District expects to save at least $15,000 on utility and related maintenance costs annually by partnering with Energy Optimizers, USA, to improve energy efficiency at its Board of Education building.

The district is partnering with Energy Optimizers, USA, to:
* Replace interior lighting with more efficient lamps and remove unneeded lamps to cut waste
* Replace exterior lighting with LED technology to improve energy efficiency while enhancing building safety, appearance and security
* Replace the building's aging boilers with more energy-efficient models
* Enhance the building's temperature controls to improve energy conservation.

The project is nearly complete and will be wrapped up by in the near future. Projected energy savings are guaranteed for three years, and the payback for the upgrades is just under 10 years. Funding is provided through the Ohio School Facilities Commission's House Bill 264 program, enabling the district to make these cost-cutting improvements at no expense to taxpayers.

"We are always looking for ways to save money and stretch taxpayer dollars within our school operations," said Superintendent Jon Ritchie.

The energy efficiency gained by the district will also be equivalent to saving 138 acres of trees or taking 90 cars off the road.

"This project will improve the environment for the student body and the faculty while producing significant energy savings," notes Greg Smith, President of Energy Optimizers, USA. "We look forward to helping Rittman Schools meet their fiscal goals and assisting them in championing a great idea -- the idea that a 'greener,' more sustainable means of energy use is not only responsible and practical, it is preferable."

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with Ohio school districts and government agencies to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs.

To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com/ or call them at (937) 877-1919.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/rittman-schools-expect-to-save-15000-annually-through-partnership-with-energy-optimizers-usa-2014-12-1208-005.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Energy Optimizers, USA :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

East Palestine Schools expects to save $56,500 annually through partnership with Energy Optimizers, USA

TIPP CITY, Ohio, Nov. 18, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The East Palestine City School District expects to save more than $56,500 annually by partnering with Energy Optimizers, USA, to improve energy efficiency at all three of its school buildings.

Lighting, temperature controls and boiler upgrades will significantly reduce the district's utility and related maintenance costs, freeing more dollars for student resources. Funding is provided through the Ohio School Facilities Commission's House Bill 264 program, enabling the district to make these cost-cutting improvements at no expense to taxpayers. Projected energy savings are guaranteed, and the payback for the upgrades is just over 9 years.

"I am extremely excited about our partnership with Energy Optimizers for this HB 264 project," said East Palestine City Schools Superintendent George Fisk. "In addition to benefitting the environment through reduced energy consumption, the savings from our project have been targeted to support increased reading and math achievement in grades K-12."

In total, the project will involve:
* Replacing interior lighting with more efficient lamps and removing unneeded lamps to cut waste.
* Replacing exterior lighting with LED technology to improve energy efficiency while enhancing building safety, appearance and security.
* Replacing dated boilers with more energy-efficient models.
* Installing smart kitchen exhaust and walk-in cooler/freezer controls to cut back on wasted electricity.
* Installing a main power surge protection to improve building safety and reliability.
* Extensively training district staff on how to make the most of the improved efficiencies.

The energy efficiency gained by the district will be equivalent to saving 42 acres of trees or taking 28 cars off the road. The project is expected to begin in the near future and be wrapped up by the summer of 2015.

"When this project is completed, East Palestine Schools will be operating in a much more energy efficient fashion," said Bob Hausmann, Director of Operations for Energy Optimizers, USA. "That's good news for the environment, and even better news for students and taxpayers. Those are real dollars saved that can be diverted to other, more important uses, like classroom education."

The partnership also includes the resources to launch a Green Team, an energy education effort that Energy Optimizers, USA promotes in all of its school-related energy conservation projects. In addition to funding the team for two years, Energy Optimizers, USA will provide Ohio Energy Project academic materials that are aligned to Ohio's academic content standards. Green Team members will take part in STEM-related activities that are focused on energy conservation, while encouraging their peers to become more environmentally conscious.

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with Ohio school districts and government agencies to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. The company is ranked in Top 500 of INC. Magazine's list of 5,000 fastest growing companies in the U.S. (2014), was named the Fastest Growing Company in the region for two consecutive years by the Dayton Business Journal (2013, 2014), and was named a BBB Eclipse Integrity Award Finalist (2012).

To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com/ or call them at (937) 877-1919.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/east-palestine-schools-expects-save-56500-annually-through-partnership-energy-optimizers-usa-2014-11-1118-003.shtml.

California Safe Schools Receives 2014 Neotrope Non-Profit PR Grant

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Nov. 18, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- California Safe Schools (CSS) is pleased to announce it is one of 10 recipients for 2014 of Neotrope's annual J.L. Simmons Non-Profit PR Grant award. With this commitment, Neotrope(R) will provide public relations (PR) and cause-marketing support to California Safe Schools over the next year to raise awareness around its programs and accomplishments.

California Safe Schools is a nationally - and internationally - celebrated child's environmental health and environmental justice coalition.

"We are grateful to have Neotrope assist us in raising awareness on children's environmental health and environmental justice. Their services will be extremely helpful as we continue to spearhead ground-breaking programs and policies that protect our most vulnerable," says founder and Executive Director of California Safe Schools, Robina Suwol, who was named by UTNE Magazine as one of "50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World."

As part of this in-kind grant program, Neotrope(R) is providing PR solutions, news dissemination (through its Send2Press(R) Newswire service), and social media marketing for California Safe Schools. This cause-related marketing program is intended to help raise awareness of the 501(c)3 non-profit to traditional media, to the public, as well as to potential sponsors and donors, regarding their efforts.

"We're honored to be providing assistance to such a worthy cause as California Safe Schools," said Neotrope CEO, Christopher Laird Simmons; a member of PRSA and ASCAP. "We were impressed by their goals of keeping kids safe through education and policy making efforts."

"For more than sixteen years, California Safe Schools has led groundbreaking efforts to ensure that school children and the public have a right not to be poisoned, a right to learn, work and live in a healthful environment. When we work together great things can and do happen," added Suwol.

About California Safe Schools:

California Safe Schools (CSS) successfully spearheaded the most stringent schools pesticide use policy in the nation, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), at the Los Angeles Unified School District. IPM uses low risk methods to eradicate insects, weeds and other pests, eliminating a major source of indoor and outdoor pollution. It was the first in the United States to embrace the "Precautionary Principle" and "Right to Know" about pesticides used on school campuses. The success of the Los Angeles Unified policy led to California Legislation, Healthy Schools Act 2000.

On October 6, 2005, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 405 (Montanez) sponsored by California Safe Schools. This important law closes a loophole thus protecting more than 6 million California k-12 public school students, and hundreds of thousands of teachers and school employees from exposure to experimental pesticides whose health effects are unknown.

CSS has worked extensively on local and national School Siting Guidelines and under Robina Suwol's leadership, has facilitated changes at the policy level as well as at the grassroots which creates a lasting institutional protection.

For more information on the California Safe Schools visit their website at http://www.calisafe.org/ .

To follow on Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/California-Safe-Schools/160930077251044 .

About Neotrope:

Since 1983 Neotrope(R) has delivered services to raise organization awareness including brand identity, marketing, public relations (PR), and SEO services. Neotrope is also an entertainment publishing company involved in books, music, software, and online magazines. The company pioneered the concept of search optimization of press release content back in 1997 and has been at the forefront of many communication and technology movements for three decades. Neotrope was an Inc. 5000 company in 2009, is a member of GS1, and has an A+ rating with the BBB. More information: http://www.Neotrope.com/ .

About the Non-Profit PR Grants:

The Non-Profit PR Grants(TM) program was originally launched in 2000 to help assist U.S. 501(c)3 worthy causes to raise awareness, attract halo sponsors, and better connect with donors and volunteers.

Starting in 2013, the Grant was named after the company co-founder, the late Dr. J.L. Simmons, PhD, who passed away in 2003. The Neotrope PR Grants are now known as the "J.L. Simmons Non-Profit PR Grant."

With this cause-related marketing grant program, Neotrope has been honored to help many worthy causes in past years, including Camp Blue Skies, Catalysts Powering Educational Performance, Children Awaiting Parents, Food Finders, Inc., Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Girls Write Now, Move for Hunger, The Native Voices Foundation, The Pacific Pinball Museum, The Bob Moog Foundation, Special Equestrians, Starlight Children's Foundation, The National Inclusion Project, World Savvy and dozens more.

Grant recipients are selected by Neotrope/Send2Press staff based on qualified applications filled out and submitted by U.S. based non-profit orgs. Choices for grant "winners" are both subjective, and based on overall activities and actual need, as well as best fit for support from the marketing team.

Additional information regarding the Neotrope 2013 J.L. Simmons Non-Profit PR Grant program for U.S. charitable non-profits and grant recipients can be found at: https://www.send2press.com/non-profit/ and also http://prgrants.com/ .

About Send2Press:

Send2Press(R) (a service of Neotrope) offers best-in-class affordable Direct-to-Editors(TM) news distribution to working print and broadcast media, and to social media, with high visibility in search engines using proprietary Neotrope ContextEngine(TM) technology. Send2Press is unique because it was the first online newswire service with staff entirely comprised of accredited public relations professionals, published authors, working journalists, and marketing experts. The service was spun-off of Neotrope's traditional PR services in 1997 and became a branded service in 2000. Learn more about Send2Press at https://www.Send2Press.com/about/ .

All trademarks acknowledged. Brand names used for reference only and do not imply an endorsement or other relationship.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/california-safe-schools-receives-2014-neotrope-non-profit-pr-grant-2014-11-1118-001.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE California Safe Schools :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Eric Combs’ New Book Launch of ‘Mission Critical’ Examines our Public Schools

TIPP CITY, Ohio, May 14, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Award-winning educator and writer Eric A. Combs, debuts an ambitious and eye-opening book, "Mission Critical" (ISBN: 978-1-940876-06-1), a non-fiction title encompassing his thoughts and experiences of the American public school system. What makes this book so unique is Combs' ability to share his experience of being a USAF Senior Master Sergeant and explain how it shapes and relates to his work within the realm of education.

Combs spent 20 years in the Air Force serving as a Security Forces Superintendent and special tactics instructor. During his tenure in the military he served all over the globe, including Asia, Europe, North Africa and even the Middle East. In 1992 he was the Non-commissioned Officer of the Year in Europe. However, his accolades didn't stop there. He switched roles from being an Airmen to an educator eventually being named the 2006 Ohio Teacher of the Year.

Published by Foxhead Books, Mission Critical touches on many facets of the public schooling system in the United States. Combs bluntly states his frustrations with public schooling and what is and isn't working. In the book, Combs uses his own personal experiences to tell of successes and failures. He then relates these stories back to the failing American public school system and then finally prescribes ways on how to dramatically change it for the better. Combs compliments the hard-working teachers, parents and administration who don't receive much recognition for their role in propelling students to care about their education.

The difficulties Combs faced during his time in the USAF not only prepared him for his challenging career as an educator in public schools but also gave him an unique perspective that many aren't equipped to carry. To find out more about Eric Combs and his unyielding new book, Mission Critical visit http://ericcombs.com/ .

About Mission Critical:

In "Mission Critical" (ISBN: 978-1-940876-06-1) Combs solutions for a dangerously broken American public school system barely held together by hard-working teachers, parents and administrators. First as a Senior Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and then as a teacher and school administrator, Combs discovered that much of what he learned serving in the military translated into very real instructional methods and tactics within the classroom. Combs is available for interviews and appearances. For booking presentations, media appearances, interviews, and/or book-signings contact virginia@bashfoo.com.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/Eric-Combs-Book-Launch-of-Mission-Critical-Examines-our-Public-Schools_2014-05-0514-002.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Eric A. Combs :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz and Luxenberg – Lawsuit Filed in Industrial Chemical Case

WESTPORT, Mass., May 12, 2104 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Town of Westport and Westport Community Schools have taken an important step to protect the health of students, teachers, administrators, and others who work in or visit schools in Westport. They filed a lawsuit against Monsanto Company and its corporate successors to recover the costs of removing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) from their schools, says Weitz & Luxenberg.

In May 2011, PCBs were first discovered in Westport Middle School at levels that far exceeded minimal safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). PCBs are man-made chemicals that were widely used in hundreds of industrial and commercial applications from the early 1950s to the late 70s - including construction materials used in thousands of schools and governmental buildings. Monsanto is the only known U.S. manufacturer of PCBs during that period.

The Westport Middle School was completed in 1969, and during its construction, PCB-containing materials, including window and door caulking and light ballasts, were used. PCBs can migrate out of these products and into adjoining masonry, flooring, walls, and soil and can be released into the air causing danger to those who come in contact with it.

The EPA has determined that Monsanto's PCBs are probable human carcinogens and exert significant toxic effects on the immune system, the reproductive system, the nervous system, and the endocrine system. Students, teachers, administrators, and other individuals who come in regular contact with PCBs at the levels found in the Westport schools may be at an increased risk of contracting these and other serious illnesses. For these reasons, EPA discourages the continued use of certain PCB-containing materials.

The Town of Westport and Westport Community Schools have asserted in their Complaint that Monsanto had knowledge of the dangers of this product going back decades but failed to warn of its dangers. The lawsuit seeks the costs associated with removing PCBs from all school buildings in Westport.

The lawsuit is brought by Attorney Richard M. Sandman of Rodman, Rodman & Sandman, P.C., in Malden, Massachusetts, together with Scott Summy of Baron & Budd in Dallas, Texas, and Robert Gordon of Weitz & Luxenberg in New York City.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Founded in 1986 by attorneys Perry Weitz and Arthur Luxenberg, Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., today ranks among the nation's leading law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of accidents are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/ and http://www.weitzluxenberg.com/ .

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/Weitz-and-Luxenberg-Lawsuit-Filed-in-Industrial-Chemical-Case_2014-05-0512-003.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Five Queens and their Robot qualify for World Championship

MONROVIA, Calif., March 27, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Five young women from Monrovia High School and their rhinestone-encrusted robot qualified to advance to the 2014 First Tech Challenge Robotics World Championships as a result of their strong performance at the West Super-Regional Robotics Tournament held near Sacramento at the former McClellan Air Force Base this past weekend, the Monrovia High School Robotics Program announced today.

The Monrovia team, the only qualifier from the Los Angeles area, joins three San Diego teams and four Northern California teams to be among the 128 top teams from around the world to compete at the First Robotics World Championships to be held at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis April 23-26, 2014.

A total of 24 teams advanced from the West Super-Regional including teams from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona.

These five junior class women - the "Kings and Queens" team - stand out not just for their signature costumes of purple-velvet-and gold-embroidered renaissance dresses and the purple and gold medieval royal pavilion where the team relaxes between matches. Their purple robot "Your Highness" performed flawlessly during the competition even after a failure of the robot's transport cart sent it plunging to the floor of the arena in an unplanned four-foot "drop test." In fact, during the crucial and difficult software-controlled "autonomous period" of the matches, Your Highness achieved a perfect record of 10 of 10 successful autonomous runs scoring an average of 56 autonomous points per match out of a possible 60.

The members of the Kings And Queens team - Amanda Sullivan, Melissa Johnson, Emma McIntosh, Jordan Nunez and Nicole Miller - designed and built their 18 by 18 inch robot from Tetrix parts, Plexiglas, metal shapes and machined aluminum to compete with alliances of robots on a 12 by 12 foot field. In competitions the robots are required to perform a variety of tasks in 2-1/2 minutes including picking up 2-inch plastic cubes and depositing them into elevated goals, navigating a wooden ramp, raising a flag up a pole, and gripping a cross bar and pulling themselves up completely off the floor, all while coordinating with a partner robot and while sharing the field with an opposing team of robots intent on accomplishing the same tasks.

This marks the first trip to the world championships for Monrovia High School's four-year-old FTC robotics program which fields four separate student robotics teams supported by company sponsors, the community, and parents, and is led by physics teacher Tom Dobson. The success of the Kings And Queens caps a strong year for Monrovia High which saw all four of the program's teams qualify over the season to compete in the Los Angeles Regional Championship Tournament held in Monrovia in February. At the L.A. regional tournament the Kings And Queens team was awarded the Inspire Award, FTC Robotics highest award naming them the "role-model" team for their on-field success, teamwork, inspiration to others, representation of the First Robotics program to their school and community, and embodiment of "Gracious Professionalism," the core value of the FIRST program.

The Monrovia High FTC robotics after-school program is one of many opportunities at Monrovia High School supporting STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) in conjunction with Monrovia's Math and Science Academy, and supported by the Monrovia Schools Foundation.

The Monrovia High School FTC robotics program is actively seeking tax-deductible donations and company sponsorships to help cover the approximate $13,000 cost of taking the team to St. Louis in April. Donations may be made through our GoFundMe page at http://www.gofundme.com/75ehc4 .

The Kings And Queens Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/FtcTeam4625 .

More information about Monrovia High School: http://www.monroviaschools.net/MHS .

* PHOTO 1 300dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/14-0326-queens-drivers_300dpi.jpg .

* Photo 1 Caption: Kings And Queens driver team waits for match to begin.

* PHOTO 2 300dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/14-0327-your-highness_300dpi.jpg .

* Photo 2 Caption: Kings And Queens robot "Your Highness."

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/Five-Queens-and-their-Robot-qualify-for-World-Championship_2014-03-0327-002.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Monrovia High School Robotics Program :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

A New Research Study Has Concluded that Dark Energy Probably Does Not Exist

MONTREAL, Quebec, Canada, March 7, 2014 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- According to the Pantheory Research Organization, a new study of type 1a supernova data has concluded, for the first time, that dark energy probably does not exist. The paper is entitled "An Alternative Universe-Scale Analytic Metrology and Related Cosmological Model." The paper was published in the February 2014 issue of the journal of Applied Physics Research, by the Canadian Center of Science and Education.

This new research study involves "an analysis of type 1a supernovae data with newly proposed distance and brightness equations which, if valid, would eliminate the need for changing expansion rates of the universe vis-a-vis dark energy." This conclusion was based upon researchers comparing Big Bang related Hubble formula distance calculations with alternative-cosmology derived distance and brightness equations and related calculations, concerning a present-day study of type 1a supernova observations.

The subject paper used the same type 1a supernovae data as the original studies and papers that proposed the accelerated expansion of the universe, but this and other present-day studies now include much more data since the quantity of international observations of type 1a supernovae has multiplied greatly since then. At the time of the original studies in the 1990's that proposed the accelerated expansion of the universe, there were at least two unstated assumptions being made.

The first well-accepted assumption then and now was that space is expanding, and the second assumption was that the Hubble Formula calculates distances correctly based upon a constant expansion rate of the universe. The Hubble Distance Formula was derived from the Special Theory of Relativity based upon an expanding universe. The authors of this paper say that if either or both of these assumptions were wrong, then dark energy could be an invalid hypothesis even though the Nobel Prize was granted for its discovery.

The non-standard cosmology used as the basis for deriving the alternative equations and calculations used for comparison in the study is called the "Pan Theory."

"Major conclusions of the study were that the observable universe is probably not expanding also precluding its accelerated expansion (dark energy), and that the Hubble Distance Formula is wrong and needs to be replaced," say the authors Forrest W. Noble and Timothy M. Cooper.

Link to paper: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/apr/article/view/32603 .

Contact author Forrest Noble: (562) 924-3313 or pantheory.org@gmail.com.

* Photo Caption: The Hubble Space Telescope has been used to find and observe many supernovae since its first use. Photograph compliments of NASA and ESA.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/A-New-Research-Study-Has-Concluded-that-Dark-Energy-Probably-Does-Not-Exist_2014-03-0307-001.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Pantheory Research Organization :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2014 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Shawnee Local Schools to Save $117,560 Annually Through Implementing Energy Conservation Project

TIPP CITY, Ohio, Nov. 6, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Michael Lamb, Superintendent of Shawnee Local Schools, is pleased to announce that the district is implementing an energy conservation project, to be implemented by Energy Optimizers, USA, to improve four existing academic buildings, reduce over-all energy usage, and save taxpayer resources. "In an age of declining revenue and resources, the ability to reduce our operational expenditures through greater energy efficiency is tremendously important for the fiscal health of the school district. Energy Optimizers, USA, and SHP Leading Design have enabled us to save precious dollars that can be redirected into the classrooms for quality instruction for our students," says Lamb.

Energy Optimizers, USA, along with strategic partner, SHP Leading Design, has identified areas where enhancements should be made, to the local high school in particular, so the buildings can be more purposeful in their use of energy without compromising a comfortable learning environment for teachers and students. The district is utilizing a funding mechanism through the Ohio School Facilities Commission's House Bill 264 program so that the District does not have to ask for any taxpayer dollars.

Though the total cost of this project exceeds $1.1 million (prior to grants and rebates), the Shawnee Local School system stands to save a staggering $117,560 in annual energy and operations costs. As a result, the District can count on a 9.36 year payback, along with other post-project benefits, including energy management and energy education programming, in addition to increasingly efficient buildings that facilitate a productive and safe academic experience.

Energy Optimizers, USA developed a project for Shawnee Local Schools focused on lighting upgrades, which will significantly reduce electrical consumption across the district, in addition to upgrading existing mechanical equipment and retrofitting boilers. Both Shawnee High School and Middle School, along with Maplewood Intermediate School, Elmwood Primary School and the Bus Garage will all receive top of the line upgrades upon implementation of the energy conservation project including re-lamping and de-lamping fluorescent fixtures, occupancy sensors, exterior fixtures, steam boiler plant retrofits, computer upgrades, and smart controls on kitchen equipment.

"To date, SHP has helped over 35 school districts with energy saving initiatives," noted Charlie Jahnigen, Vice President of SHP Leading Design. "SHP has worked with Shawnee Local Schools since 2012 to improve their learning environments. Focusing on energy efficiency is a great step to long-term facility management," added Jahnigen. The breadth of project experience and commitment to a critical mission by Energy Optimizers, USA and SHP will serve this Lima-area school district well.

Additionally, students and teachers can expect to receive funding to implement an energy education program that allows students to take the Shawnee Local School District's sustainability efforts a step further by creating student groups called "Green Teams." The students who wish to participate in Green Team programming will participate in engrossing, educational STEM (Science. Technology. Engineering. Math) activities related to energy conservation, while encouraging their peers to become more environmentally conscious.

"It is always encouraging when the school district we are working with is as excited as we are to implement an energy conservation project," notes Bob Hausmann, Operations Manager for Energy Optimizers, USA. "Shawnee Local Schools' administration and School Board members are not only pleased to make positive changes in order to conserve both energy and taxpayer resources, they are passionate about creating better, more efficient facilities for their students and teachers. We truly look forward to helping them meet their fiscal goals and assisting them in championing a great idea - the idea that a 'greener,' more sustainable means of energy use is not only responsible and practical, it is preferable."

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with Ohio school districts and government agencies to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com/ or call them at (937) 877-1919.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/Shawnee-Local-Schools-to-Save-117560-Annually-Through-Implementing-Energy-Conservation-Project_2013-11-1106-003.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Energy Optimizers, USA :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2013 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

South Central Local Schools to Save $39,221 Annually Through Implementing Energy Conservation Project

TIPP CITY, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2013 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- David Brand, Superintendent of South Central Local Schools, is pleased to announce that the District is implementing an energy conservation project with Energy Optimizers, USA to improve the High School and K-8 School facilities, reduce over-all energy usage, and save taxpayer resources.

"We are very excited to work alongside Energy Optimizers, USA to not only improve the educational environment of South Central, but to also save tax dollars," states Superintendent Brand. "These savings will allow us to continue to allow world-class opportunities to all students."

After working extensively with personnel at South Central Local Schools, Energy Optimizers, USA has identified areas where enhancements should be made so the buildings can be more purposeful in their use of energy without compromising a comfortable learning environment for teachers and students. The District is utilizing a funding mechanism through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission's House Bill 264 program so that the District does not have to ask for any taxpayer dollars.

While the total cost of this project is $294,330, the South Central Local School District stands to save $39,211 in annual energy and operations costs. As a result, the District can count on a 7.5 year payback, along with other post-project benefits, including increasingly efficient buildings that facilitate a productive and safe academic experience.

Energy Optimizers, USA developed a project for South Central Local Schools focused on interior and exterior lighting retrofits, which will significantly reduce electrical consumption across the district, as well as installation of occupancy sensors, outdoor air tie-ins for the high school air handling units, and smart controls on kitchen equipment.

This project has integrated, and will continue to use, the Energy Star Portfolio Manager system to model and track the current and on-going energy usage and performance of the school district.

"It is always encouraging when the school district we are working with is as excited as we are to implement an energy conservation project," notes Bob Hausmann, Operations Manager for Energy Optimizers, USA. "South Central Local Schools' administration and School Board Members are not only pleased to make positive changes in order to conserve both energy and taxpayer resources, they are passionate about creating better, more efficient facilities for their students and teachers. We truly look forward to helping them meet their fiscal goals and assisting them in championing a great idea -- the idea that a 'greener,' more sustainable means of energy use is not only responsible and practical, it is preferable."

About Energy Optimizers, USA:

Energy Optimizers, USA works with Ohio school districts and government agencies to implement energy savings opportunities to reduce operational costs, including lighting retrofits, renewable energy projects (wind and solar), HVAC retrofit projects, building automation retrofits and energy education programs. To learn more about Energy Optimizers, USA, visit their website at http://energyoptusa.com/ or call them at (937) 877-1919.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/South-Central-Local-Schools-to-Save-39221-Annually-Through-Energy-Conservation-Project_2013-10-1015-003.shtml.

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