By Shawn P. Williams – Dallas South News Editor
On Thursday, students, teachers, staff and administrators of John B. Hood Middle School assembled to celebrate a big win for their school. Students submitted sports-themed digital media projects for HP’s Digital Assist competition and won 1st and 2nd prize. By demonstrating their knowledge of math and science students netted their school more than $80,000 worth of HP technology equipment.
Watch the winning submissions here.
HP received almost 300 entries from 6 NBA cities, including Dallas, Houston, Bay Area, Chicago, Miami, and Washington D.C. Entrants submitted videos that demonstrated their math, science and reading knowledge through a creative use of technology and basketball. Each middle school could enter up to five times. Hood entered two submissions in taking first and second place honors.
Jason Terry of the Dallas Mavericks was on hand to help John B. Hood celebrate their victory. State Senator Royce West was on hand, as was DISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa, School Board Member Bernadette Nutall.
Nancy Keith Kelly, Director of Influencer and Community Relations for HP came into Dallas from Palo Alto for the event. She was one of the judges for the contest and I asked her what she like about the John B. Hood submissions. “They found a creative way to take math and put into real word examples that may be applied outside the classroom,” she said.
The HP mobile technology grant includes 25 HP Tablet PCs, HP ink jet and laser printers, a mobile storage cart, and teacher professional development from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). John B. Hood will also receive tickets to Dallas Mavericks basketball games, team merchandise, and recognition at a future game.
According to an HP news release, the Digital Assist competition is a component of the ongoing efforts of HP and NBA Cares to improve student academic success in vital subjects including math, science and reading.
John B. Hood principal Fred Davis gave all of the credit to the school’s students and teachers for the award. Davis said that the only time 2nd place is O.K. is when you also come in first.
Photos by Byron K. Watters







