Seeing STEM in Action
Each day of the Cycle for STEM ride is full of fun and fellowship. Along the trail, the importance of raising money for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grants hits home for us in new ways. For one, we gave out three grants to local high schools in the towns we passed through along the way. Hearing the excitement and enthusiasm of the educators who accept the checks renews our commitment to raising this money. Here's a picture of the presentation of a $500 grant to Hancock High School Wednesday night.
For another thing, we run into teachers, scientists and mathematicians who are riding along the same trails. Their interest in what we do and reinforcement that this type of money will make a big difference touches us. It makes it personal in new ways, and we hope they carry our message with them.
And last but certainly not least, we see the effects of STEM everywhere. Without GPS half the support team would basically just be "Lost in the Woods for STEM." Almost every facet of our modern lives is touched by STEM fields. Cars. Roads. Radios. Medicine. Computers. Smart phones. Not to mention, the amazing engineering wonders we're having the chance to experience along the way. When we see infrastructure like the Paw Paw Tunnel or Dam #4 or even the pathway along the side of the C&O Canal Towpath we remember, this is the kind of effort we support. Dedicated people building amazing benefits for society. STEM matters. Imagine, for a moment, what life would be like without your technology. Or reliable infrastructure. Or modern conveniences. Or modern medicine. Scary. Our future could look that way. Instead, we believe we should encourage the mind who will make the future even more amazing than the present. That's why we work so hard and ride so far. Seeing the results of STEM along a beautiful path over the course of the week is just an inspirational bonus.
The Paw Paw Tunnel
Dam #4
There's no doubt we have a worthy cause, but we do manage to throw in quite a bit of fun along the way. Here are a few shots to give you an idea of Day Four. See you tomorrow!
The team at Fort Frederick. Military technology has advanced a bit.
Ron Lipscomb dressed up as a Maryland militia member.
A train stopped some of our riders for a bit.
We have a whole team of people taking photos and posting them on social media. Far more content than we can ever share here so please make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and to search for the hashtag #c4stem on both sites so see more.