Second annual Frick Technology Achievement award named

On May 5, Moore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Locklair presented Pinecrest High School Senior Knox Butka with the second annual Frick Technology Achievement Award.

The award recognizes the significant accomplishments of one graduate in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) during their K-12 career. Successful candidates have excelled in the classroom, often completing one or more career and technical education pathways in addition to advanced science and mathematics courses.

Edward Frick, who attended the event, established the Frick Technology Achievement Award to encourage students, parents, and the public to recognize the extraordinary opportunities that will be available to the tech-savvy, entrepreneurial young person in the 21st century.

Frick understands the power of technology as a transformative force. During his career as an executive at IBM, Frick was integral in implementing computerized banking systems and networking.

Now, Frick is an enthusiastic supporter of schools and technology-focused education, so students can prepare for a changing employment landscape. The award shines a light on one exceptional student that has taken advantage of all curricular and extracurricular STEM opportunities offered in our district.

“We are proud to boast a robust STEM and technology education program that seeks to expose all students to foundational technology and engineering skills,” said the school district in a press release.

Elementary students engage with their core curriculum standards through hands-on technical activities, coding, and robotics during the school day. After-school clubs including coding, robotics, and drones, in third through eighth grades, let students take their learning to the next level.

Elementary and middle school students can also attend one of the annual STEM camps during June. Once in high school, students can earn industry-recognized credentials from career and technical education programs while taking part in a host of technology-based extracurricular activities.

As this year’s recipient, Knox Butka will receive a gift of $1,250 to further her post-secondary education. She intends to study public health, a field she discovered during her participation in Science Olympiad.

“We send a special thanks to the generous support of Mr. Edward Frick, and congratulate Knox and our previous Frick Technology Achievement Award winner who are one-step closer to their technology future,” said the school district.

Feature photo: Ed Frick (left), Knox Butka, award winner, Laura McNeill, and Andrew Lyons -Courtesy photo.

Contributed.

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