Published: May 31, 2008 06:15 pm      

Shadesters receive AAD grant

The American Academy of Dermatology named Byng Junior High School a 2008 recipient of an $8,000 Shade Structure Program grant on Melanoma Monday, May 5. Dr. Michael McCauley, AAD member, supported the application of four BJHS ninth grade students—Justin Frazier, Sarah Jones, Jennifer O’Grady, Ryan Williams—as part of their U.S. Army e-CYBERMISSION project focused on providing shade for a new school courtyard to protect students from overexposure to sunlight. Dr. McCauley also provided sun safety educational materials for BJHS students.

The AAD Shade Structure Program awarded 37 grants of $8000 this year. BJHS is the only recipient in Oklahoma. The program is open to educational or non-profit organizations serving children and teens under the age of 18.

The student science research team, known as the Shadesters, spent months researching issues related to their project, surveying students, and collecting data during outdoor and laboratory experiments to complete their mission folder for the online competition. In addition to successfully applying for the AAD grant, they planned and conducted fund-raising activities involving the school and community, for the purpose of purchasing a commercial shade structure designed for the courtyard by a company they contacted.

On April 10, e-CYBERMISSION named the Shadesters the 9th grade winners of the Southwest/Pacific Region criterion award for the application of science, mathematics, and technology. Each team member will receive $2000 in U.S. Savings Bonds and a certificate of achievement. Deborah Cornelison, BJHS 9th grade physical science teacher served as the Shadesters’ team leader. In the past four years, BJHS students have received $106,000 for their community-based projects in the national competition.