From graphic design to movie-making to robotic demos and contests, OpenWorld Learning (OWL) students showcased their best projects for the public—and earned some nifty prizes, too. The 6th annual OWL TechFair featured work that could simultaneously dazzle, as well as demonstrate that these youngsters are on the road to bright futures.
Getting ready for a pre-competition tryout
This year’s event featured projects created by youngsters from Denver, Aurora and Jefferson County schools. Elementary students put together an e-portfolio of computer projects focusing on games and web work, while middle-schoolers concentrated on robotics, movie-making and graphic design. Overall, students were able to integrate computer technology along with art, along with reading, writing and math concepts. An OWL rep said that 47 percent of students were female, 87 percent are eligible for reduced-lunch programs and 53 percent use English as a second language.
Between staff, volunteers, parents and supporters, and bright minds from grades 3 to 8, almost 600 people participated in the fair held on Saturday, April 25, at Industry Denver. The date coincided with Comcast Cares Day, so around 100 volunteers represented the event sponsor. Stella Peterson, of Stella Marketing + PR, and State Rep. Joe Salazar served as co-emcees for the awards presentations, and OWL’s CEO, Lea Ann Reitzig, as well as Comcast rep Macio Alston also addressed the crowd.
Co-emcee Stella Peterson (left) with CEO Lea Ann Reitzig
Tech Challenge Winners:
Eagleton Elementary School
Robo Challenge Winners:
1st place: Giselle Florencio (Kepner Middle School)
2nd place: Tevita Fifita & Jacob Woods (Aurora Vista Peak Exploratory School)
3rd place: Adamma West (Aurora Vista Peak Exploratory School)
OpenWorld Learning was founded by Chris Myers in 2000 to provide a fun and challenging after-school educational program centered on teaching advanced computer technology to Denver area students. Its mission statement: to support children’s school success by tapping the power of digital technology and peer teaching to develop leadership and ignite a love of learning. One local publication honored OWL as Denver’s top non-profit of 2012. Programs offered include OWL Summer Tech Camp, with scholarships available for students on free and reduced-lunch programs. For more information, please visit: http://www.openworldlearning.org
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- One more tweak before the competition begins.
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- Readying the robotics obstacle course
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- Getting ready for a pre-competition tryout
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- Precise placement is assured with this young contestant.
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- Incoming board president Brett Wilhelm (center) with Victor Chea and Andrew Castillo
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- Dave Williamson and Petra Vannucci-Henkel
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- The Tizzano family
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- Lidia Delao, with future techie Dylan
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- Old-school pinball was a hit at Comcast’s complimentary arcade.
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- Valeria (left) and Samantha
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- Brandon Banks and Jennifer Sosa
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- Isrrael Jr. and Sr. show their tough side.
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- The team from Kepner Middle School
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- Eagleton Eagles await competition results.
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- Archuleta Tech Pros at the fair
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- The Anaya and Fresquez families
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- The Salazar family enjoyed the tech fair.
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- The Salazar family
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- OWL mascot Pixel (we’re told Pixel is most definitely a girl) with young fans
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- Volunteer Jill May with son Rylan
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- Kayrmanova and Elmira
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- Ready for the awards ceremony
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- OWL supporters enjoy the tech fair.
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- Family members were all smiles.
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- Just some of the enthusiastic parents and supporters on hand for post-competition awards
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- The Drieth family includes two young OWL students
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- Rep. Joe Salazar (center) with University of Denver volunteers
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- Student participants in this year’s tech fair await competition results.
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- Co-emcee Stella Peterson (left) with CEO Lea Ann Reitzig
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- Macio Alston, representing sponsor Comcast
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- A great selfie with Pixel the mascot and Rep. Joe Salazar
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- Bryzina is a winner.
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- Jennifer Sosa, with Aaron (left) and Dionicio
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- Industry Denver donated space for this year’s tech fair.
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- The Robotics Team from Denver School of Science & Technology (DSST) gave youngsters a hands-on opportunity to guide a robot.
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- Comcast’s complimentary arcade was busy all day.
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- (l to r): Megan Rountree, with Brandon and Giselle
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- The balcony is open.
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- Parents and supporters watch the robotics competition.
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- Welcome to the OWL TechFair!
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- (l to r): Andrew Castillo, CEO Lea Ann Reitzig and Darius Jack
