But it's not just any CEO, and not just any science competition.
As the collage of images at right makes plain (from 2014 to 2016), this is about finding the science talents in all of us. But especially in those (even today), who are not as regularly encouraged to "play" -- in the field of science and tech. This is a wonderful local STEM for girls event -- and since founding in 2014 -- has been largely under-appreciated by the science scene, nationally. So here's my little boost.
In general, I am rarely a fan of the electrical utilities' overall corporate governance structures -- but in this particular case ComEd is getting it exactly right. So, Kudos to the kids, and to ComEd, and its CEO, as well. From the WSJ reporting overnight, then:
. . . .ComEd’s first female chief executive, Anne R. Pramaggiore, introduced the IceBox Derby in 2014 as a way to get more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, fields.
“It’s one thing to sit in a classroom to decide if you like math or not,” Ms. Pramaggiore said. “But we see them not only learn about the technical aspects of building a car, they learn about leadership.”
Career aspirations for this year’s racers range from Therese Jaeger, 17, who wants to be an aerospace engineer, to Morgan Jones, 13, who dreams of being a YouTube personality. . . .
Throwing a helmet on over her orange bandana, Taylor Clark sprinted to her race car, slammed down the accelerator and took off—at 15 miles an hour.
That is top speed at the third annual IceBox Derby, which featured battery-powered cars built by teenage girls using recycled fridges and go-kart parts.
“These refrigerator cars are on the move!” an emcee’s voice rang out, as parents and children cheered in the bleachers.
Earlier this month, 30 girls split on six teams vied for prizes including MacBook Airs and $3,000 college scholarships—seed money provided by race sponsor Commonwealth Edison Co., the local utility, meant to steer them toward studies in math and science. . . .
Many of these bright capable kids (Therese included) will almost certainly one day be sitting on the science panels, at NASA -- offering explanations of the science behind their missions to Mars, and Jupiter, and Pluto, and beyond:
. . .a broad and ample road, whose dust is gold, and pavement stars, as stars to thee appear seen in the Galaxy, that Milky Way. . . .
-- Milton
Onward now, with hot coffee at the ready, fresh icy OJ, a banana and cherry yogurt. Even on a gray morning -- these simple pleasures blast sunshine into my attitude (as do the pings, from old friends, near and far). . . smile.
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