SLPS Spotlight Weekly News January 10, 2007

GATEWAY HIGH SCHOOL’S ROBOTICS TEAM WINS PRESTIGIOUS COMPETITION

Gateway Institute of Technology’s Electronics Class took first place honors in the St. Louis Regionals Robotics VEX Challenge. The competition was held Dec. 10 at Florissant Valley Community College. They competed with 19 other teams from 5 states. The Gateway team is the recipients of the innovative award, which goes to the team with the most creative and technologically sophisticated robot design. Team 2145 will soon compete in the most prestigious competition nationally and internationally, called World’s Robotics Championship. Thousands of students from all over the world will gather in Atlanta, GA in April to take home the crown.

SOLDAN’S CHOIR SINGS IN NATIONAL FILM “THE GOOD SHEPHERD”

Soldan High School’s choir, under the direction of Kemara Skinner, is featured in Robert DeNiro’s film entitled “The Good Shepherd.” The movie, a Universal Studios Production, was released nationwide on Dec. 22 and tells the story about the history of the CIA. High schools from across the country auditioned for the chance to appear in the film. Skinner’s choir had the opportunity to perform an African chant during one of the movie’s scenes. “A lot of the kids didn’t have an idea of what it takes to do a recording and all of the artistic hard work that is involved in making a film, so it was a great experience for them,” said Skinner.

CENTRAL VPA STUDENTS TO PERFORM “THE MUSIC MAN”

The Central Visual and Performing Arts High School will present Meredith Wilson’s Broadway Musical “The Music Man.” Performances are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on January 11 and 12. The performances will be held at the school’s auditorium. The cost for students and adults are $3 and $8, respectively for the evening performances. “The Music Man” depicts a fun-filled musical experience of a traveling salesman and a music professor and their influence on a local town. For more information, call 771-2772.

HALL OF FAME SHORSTOP OZZIE SMITH TO VISIT SHENANDOAH ELEMENTARY

St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith has one more accomplishment to add to his resume -- author. Smith has written a children’s book called Hello, Fredbird! and will read it to Shenandoah Elementary students on Thursday, Jan. 11, at 12:30 p.m. Hello, Fredbird! features the sights and sounds of a game day captured by Smith during his 19 years as a St. Louis Cardinals shortstop. “Reading has always been a passion of mine, and I am happy to share this book with the children of the St. Louis Public School District,” said Smith.