Amity Club Learns About Robotics
BY JUDI WINSLOW
OLNEY ENTERPRISE CONTRIBUTOR
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY JUDI WINSLOW
Amity Club’s November meeting was held at the Hometown Coffee Shop and attendees included: Evelyn Altmiller, Jeanie Spivey, Rita Choat, Judy Averett, Gail Spears, Phyllis Whitsitt, Bobby Wright, Jeanie Fichte, Marilyn Norris, Ann Lundy, Judi Winslow, and new member, Lucretia Taylor. Members and guests enjoyed the ambiance and friendly service at Olney’s new coffee shop.
Our guest speakers were Mitzi Morrison and Mike Winslow. Mitzi started teaching robotics in 2009, and her teams (in Graham) have won Regional Competitions 7 out of 8 years and gone on to state competition. She is Vice President of Aerospace Education and STEM Activities for the local chapter of the Air Force Association (AFA) and is one of seven selected nationally for the AFA Emerging Leader Program. She is an avid proponent of Cyber Awareness programs. Mike, who is currently State President of AFA, Aero Education Officer and Mission Pilot for Civil Air Patrol, is Mitzi’s Technical Advisor.
Mitzi’s robotics program is an activity where students program robots to locate, organize and solve various tasks. Her quote worth quoting is: “A seed of inspiration yields a lifetime of imagination.” The outcome of her program shows 78% increased interest in science, 72% increase in perseverance, and 73% of participants go into a STEM field job following completion of their education. She also addressed cybersecurity and the future for these young students in keeping our technology safe with the constant cyber challenges from the world’s ‘bad actors.’ With most ‘after school’ programs at this time, there is a real need for cybersecurity to be included IN school programs.
Following the presentation, a short business meeting was conducted by President Ann Lundy. Bobby Wright called the Roll Call, Judy Averett gave the Treasurer’s Report, and Rita Choat (1st VP) presented the plan for the December program. Old and new business was discussed. Ann then called for adjournment.