- Week of December 1, 2007 -

Keenan to Host Robotics Competition for Elementary and Middle School Teams
The Robo-Raiders, Keenan High School’s award-winning robotics team, will host the Columbia FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League Challenge competition on Saturday, December 1, from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at W.J. Keenan High School, 361 Pisgah Church Road.

The project challenges teams from elementary and middle schools to create a robot and research ways to solve real-world problems, like alternative fuel sources. Twenty-two middle school teams have registered to participate in Saturday’s event. There is no admission fee, but spectators are asked to bring canned goods that will be donated to the Harvest Hope Food Bank.

Heyward to Host Automotive Skills and Model Car Competitions
From December 5-7, metal sparks, spray paint and screw drivers will be flying fast and furious as students in Heyward Career and Technology Center’s automotive collision class test their skills at repairing banged up cars and trucks. The top two performers will go on to compete in the state USA Skills Competition at the BMW plant in Greenville in April 2008. Students will work on their repair projects throughout the day from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In addition to the repair competition, Heyward is hosting a model car building contest for middle school students. So far, 64 young car lovers have signed up to participate. The model cars will be brought in on Wednesday, December 5 and judged on Thursday, December 6.

Winners from both competitions will be announced and recognized at an awards ceremony on Friday, December 7 at 1 p.m. in the school’s conference center. Heyward is located at 3560 Lynhaven Drive.

Richland One to Auction Surplus Equipment
On Thursday, December 6, Richland One will host two public auctions. The first one begins at 10 a.m. at the district warehouse which is located at 927 Whaley Street. Smart shoppers can pick up surplus furniture, kitchen equipment, TVs, PE equipment, table saws, tables and chairs. The second auction begins at 2 p.m. at Hopkins Middle School, 1601 Clarkson Street in Hopkins. Forty portable classrooms will go to the highest bidders.

Media with inquiries about Tip Sheet items are asked to call Edith Caudle in the Office of Communications at 231-7504.