NORTH ELEMENTARY 2 pupils win honors in career competition

The girls won educational software, and one receives a personal computer.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
POLAND -- Two North Elementary School pupils dared to dream of a future career and are now reaping early benefits from those dreams.
Maria Mancini and Claudia Gage, both fourth-graders, took top honors in the national "Dare to Dream ... Expect to Succeed" competition sponsored by BrainstormUSA, an Atlanta-based marketer of educational software.
The competition is open to pupils across the country from kindergarten through high school. Entries are judged based on the child's age and the merits of the child's project.
The pupils were asked to describe a personal goal and how they intend to achieve that goal. Parents also were asked to describe how they intended to help their child achieve his or her goal.
Design skills
Maria wants to become a fashion designer. To illustrate her designing skills, she submitted one of her own creations -- a jean jacket and skirt. She was one of six students to win second place in the national competition. She received a personal computer and collection of educational software.
Writing talent
Claudia wants to someday become a writer. She submitted a collection of short stories demonstrating her storytelling ability. She was one of 10 students nationwide to place third in the competition. She received several pieces of educational software.
Principal Mike Masucci said the school initially entered the competition as a way for families to discuss their children's futures and spend time working together on the projects. He said having two rank nationally is refreshing and an inspiration to all the students.
A company press release said the Dare to Dream program has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships, computers and educational software to pupils, teachers and schools since its inception in 1999.
jgoodwin@vindy.com