RMC Green Team Supports Local Science Fair
Article by Mr. Neil Lawson
Students from the surrounding area gathered last week for the 39th annual Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington Science Fair, held in McArthur Hall on the west side of Queen’s campus. It featured over 100 projects from students that fell into four categories: Life and Earth Science, Computer Science and Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, and Human Health Science. Awards were given to students with the top project in each category, and Special Awards were given by organizations to projects that fit the requirements of those specific award categories.
Each year, the RMC Green Team (through non-public funding) sponsors an award for the top two projects that best relate to sustainable development, green technology or innovation in the Environmental field. This year, the two award winners were Ms. Ali ten Hove, a grade eight student, and Mr. Kieran Grekul-Somerville, a grade seven student. This was determined by a panel of 5 Special Judges from the RMC Green Team.
Ali’s project focused on sustainable energy integration in Arctic communities. She compared the advantages and disadvantages of alternate sources of energy such as solar and wind, with an aim to reduce the amount of diesel-based energy currently being used. Her combination of forward thinking and realistic expectations won her the award.
Kieran’s project, “Poop Power”, investigated the potential of converting waste produced by a number of different animals into usable energy. His project also took home the overall top prize for the fair, as well as earning him a nomination to compete at the provincial competition.
All RMC Green Team members congratulate Ali and Kieran for their excellent efforts and thank their friends and families for supporting them in such academic activities. These winning projects were just a sample of the innovative and forward thinking seen at the fair this year; notably, in the area of sustainable practises and green innovation. “We have noticed an increased focus on green ideas over the past few years. It is encouraging to know that so many young minds are becoming involved in this area”, said Ms. Tina Basso, a member of the RMC Green Team. “It is these young thinkers that will fuel innovation of all kinds in the future.” Echoing these words was Dr. Nicholas Vlachopoulos (19930), the RMC Green Team Director, stating that, “We should fully support our youth and encourage their participation in such venues. It’s rewarding to see such young minds getting involved with these sorts of projects and / or issues. It’s wonderful knowing that our future is secure, as this follow-on generation surely surprise and inspire us with their project and research results at such a young age. It’s quite impressive.”.
We congratulate all of the students that participated in this event (as well as the organizers and volunteers) and wish the provincial contestants the best of luck as they compete at the next level. We also look forward to next year’s competition.
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Photo caption:(L-R) Eve Buckley; Dr. Joe Buckley; Scott De Lange Boom; Dr. Gregg Wade; Kendall Arthur;Angela Dey; Sophie Quan; Patrick Gignac.
Astronomy Club Tradition Continued
By OCdt Angela Dey, 25448
At 17h00 Friday April 30th, a small group of OCdts and one professor gathered outside of LaSalle and left in two heavily loaded cars to Sharbot Lake for the night. This was the RMC Astronomy Club, and the members, supervised by Dr. Gregg Wade, were continuing the tradition of a night of stargazing in cottage country. Hosted generously by Dr. Buckley and his family at their waterfront cottage, the club members enjoyed an evening of socializing, food, a campfire, and viewing the sky. When the clouds cleared at 20h00, Dr.Wade and Dr. Buckley set up the telescope at the waters’ edge, and for about an hour and a half the cadets were able to have a mini-astronomy lesson and increase their knowledge of the heavens. Highlights included constellation naming, tips on star references, and seeing Arcturus, the 3rd brightest star in the sky. Arcturus is a red supergiant, something similar to what our sun will resemble in about 5 billion years, and is located in the constellation Boötes.
Despite being under constant attack of black flies during the day, all the OCdts who attended this trip enjoyed the opportunity to relax in the great outdoors after exams. Many thanks are extended to Dr. Buckley for his cottage, kayaks and canoes, and wisdom! If you are interested in joining the Astronomy Club or attending open viewings with the telescopes at RMC, contact the current club president, OCdt Patrick Gignac (24736) senior trip coordinator OCdt Angela Dey (25448), or look for the booth at the next RECSPO in October.
“No known roof is as beautiful as the skies above.” – Michael O’Muircheartaigh
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On Friday 30 April, I, NCdt (IV) Brent Fisher 24712, along with NCdt (IV) Kayla Macmillan 24649, had the privilege of attending the Chief of the Maritime Staff Naval Centennial Ball in Ottawa. It was an honour to attend this prestigious event on behalf of the cadet wing, and I would like to extend my thanks to those who made this unique opportunity possible. In addition to partaking in an exceptional six-course meal, we had the opportunity to listen to the Minister of National Defence and the Chief of the Maritime Staff. We conversed with both serving and retired naval officers, and we also encountered three members from RMC St. Jean. Our conversation allowed us to share some of our experiences and to learn more about their institution.
The one hundredth anniversary of our Navy provides us with a great opportunity to reflect upon the service that we have entered. I was proud to be a member of the Navy while attending the event, and I was equally proud to have had the opportunity discuss my time at RMCC with strangers throughout the evening. As Kayla and I approach our commissioning parade later this month, we realize that 2010 will not only be an important year for our class, but for our Navy and our nation as a whole.
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