Future Problem Solvers
Dear Editor: The Sitka Future Problem Solver’s middle school and high school teams recently returned from the Future Problem Solving Program International Conference held at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse where we represented the State of Alaska. We were among 2,000 competitors from 10 countries who came together to solve problems related to the topic of biosecurity. We honed our creative and critical thinking skills as we worked through a scenario based on the risks involving the reanimation of extinct plants in the year 2050. We had the opportunity to meet and work with other students, observe other teams in action, and learn about what other programs are doing. Our experiences at this conference will be of great benefit to our local program as we continue to grow.
We could not have made this trip without the support of many organizations, businesses and individuals who assisted us with our fundraising efforts. We would like to extend a big shout out to CHARR for their very generous donation which jump-started our fundraising efforts. We would like to thank Trish and Dirk White from Harry Race and White’s Pharmacies for their generous donation. Thank you to The Cellar, Backdoor Cafe, Old Harbor Books, Sitka Flowers & Chocolate Moose, Island Artists Gallery and Beak Restaurant for setting out our donation jars in their businesses. Thank you as well to everyone who put money in our donations jars!
Thank you to Gretchen and Wade Parrish, Sandy and Thad Poulson, and Laura Schmidt for sponsoring us to help rid your gardens and lawns of dandelions and other weeds. Finally, thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for providing us with Alaska pins and Sitka magnets to exchange with other individuals at the conference.
We are excited about next year’s topics which include the spread of infectious disease, toxic materials, disorders and cloud storage. Future Problem Solving is available in Sitka as an after-school program for fourth- through 12th-graders. For more information you can contact Kristen Homer at 738-0238 or Nora Stewart at 738-0840.
Thank you again!
Sitka Future Problem Solvers
