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When our children watch the news today, violence, deceit and other negative images prevail. For our youth, having grown up seeing these impressions, it must be difficult for them to see the incredible goodness that exists all over the world...... the kindness, generosity, caring and in many cases, the willingness of a complete stranger to assist someone in need. In this intense and difficult contest called ThinkQuest™, despite the odds and the many challenges in accessibility and lack of hardware/software, this lesson in values, in kindness and commitment came through loud and clear to the kids and this Head Coach Mom!
With President Clinton's SUMMIT corporate commitments not quite reaching their goals, we can attest to the true reality of giving and collaborative efforts to these students; in this country and around the world. From Australia to California, small businesses to large corporations (your employees deserve an award), the people in these organizations were the ones who made it happen; doing whatever it took to change policy, get administrative permission, to sell it in to their bosses- that these kids needed them and they wanted to help!
It's to all these incredibly committed individuals (many asked for no credit) that we dedicate these Thank You pages and this web site we are so proud of! Thanks to all of you, for allowing my kids to KNOW the world and it's PEOPLE! As the saying goes: People DO make the world go around!
LINK to see the many sponsors
who graciously and kindly took their time for technical assistance
and/or resources to help support the kids!
We apologize if we left anyone out!
Professor Norm Coombs, EASI Foundation and Professor of Black History at RIT. Norm was instrumental in insuring our trips to Washington DC were a success! His wisdom and experience have been and continue to be not only invaluable but provided the critical "human factor" to the success of the kids' entire experience. Heart–felt thanks and much gratitude go out to you Norm! Oh- And Congratulations on being a Granpa!
Jodi Leese, Community & Educational Consultant for the Philadelphia Inquirer's OnLine Service "Philly OnLine". When the going got tough, WE could always count on her to help out! Personal time was spent coaching, teaching the kids and shining.... Always positive thoughts and a smile and laugh for everyone. For someone so young, Jodi has much insight and wisdom.... sharing our dream of a world where appreciation and respect of children's differences bring equity and opportunities to their lives and futures.
Jodi thought nothing of driving through rush hour traffic, quite a distance after she had worked a 12 hour day. Her commitment goes way beyond her job- another example of PEOPLE making a difference! A special, very special THANKS to a very special person! (Now formally considered an adopted daughter and sister!) We Love ya Jodi!
RoseAnn Alspektor is CEO of The Valis Group Inc., technical maven of FLO' and a true guardian angel to Kate. (Flo is the awesome warping program that was used to develop the eating disorders simulation.) It never ceased to amaze me with RoseAnn, no matter where she was in the country (even on a plane), she made herself available as well as others, who could assist Kate in understanding the special codes that were used. From you and others with the same level of commitment - Kate has learned to "go to the WALL" and beyond; a character trait not many kids develop in today's world. Thanks to RoseAnn (and hubby Erwin) and all your friends that went to the WALL with Kate!
