Keenan High School students win grand prize for their invention
Contributed by Richland School District One

Keenan High School student Baichard Donald positions the head gear and head- mounted display for a student trying the Telepresence Amusement Park Ride he and his teammates designed.

A team of engineering students from Keenan High School were big winners at USC's Central South Carolina Region II Science and Engineering Fair March 11.

Keenan students Jordan Blyther, Baichard Donald, and Larry Russell won the grand prize in the team project category for their invention of the Telepresence Amusement Park Ride. The mechanism simulates the feel of a hot air balloon ride through the use of a swivel chair, a video camera mounted on a nine- foot pole and a TV monitor attached to the viewer's head.

As grand prize winners, the Keenan seniors will receive an all- expense paid trip to the International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta in May. Their invention was sponsored by Richland One's Challenger Learning Center and developed under the guidance of Keenan engineering teacher Dr. Martin Cwiakala.

Crayton Middle School student Catherine T. Watson won first place in the junior division for her study of water quality of the Gills Creek watershed. She took home a $100 cash prize that was sponsored by the Columbia Gem and Mineral Society.

Keenan High School students Larry Russell, Baichard Donald, and Jordan Blyther with their invention, the Telepresence Amusement Park Ride, and the grand prize trophy they won at the SC Region II Science and Engineering Fair.

To view the complete listing of winners, visit www.hrsm.sc.edu/jordan/SF /2008/sf2008/2008awardsbook. pdf .