CBIC Education Awards

I had the pleasure of attending the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council Awards last Thursday evening. It was great to see such a wide variety of business and technology leaders mixed with those representing high academia in the audience. I was impressed by the synergy of the two groups who have joined together to make this partnership seem like a natural fit. It was also comforting to listen to the stories of the Innovation Awards Finalists and their drive to achieve success-however it be defined.

The Red Apple Awards specifically caught my attention as it recognizes the educator in K-12 that best utilizes technology in the classroom that benefits student learning. Melanie Dusci (Henley Middle School), Christine Esposito (Upper Walker Elementary), Donna Shifflett (Ruckersville Elementary School), and Beth White (Western Albemarle HS) are all to be commended for their work and wiliness to "push the envelope" forward to assist with student engagement, learning and the use of technology. Beth White won the recognition which included a check for $2,500 in her name.

I believe that technology, innovative practices, entrepreneurship all speak to the themes that we should be promoting within our schools today. The ownership and empowerment it provides to our students can be immeasurable. I applaud the CBIC group for their efforts in organizing this event and I look forward to collaborative opportunities with CATEC that will benefit our students in the future.