Hard Work Pays Off

7th Grader Interviews Superintendent on the air and water quality of his school

RECORDED VIDEO

MARCH 28, 2018

8:30AM EST

BACKGROUND

Imagine being affirmed by the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Morcease J. Beasley after presenting your science fair project during The Rotary Club of Lake Spivey/Clayton County meeting. Dr. Beasley was present to honor the students and congratulate them on this special recognition. Ryan was excited that the Superintendent agreed to allow my son to interview him as my son continues to update his project; “Germs at His School”. If that wasn’t the epitome of wonderful, when my son arrived at school after the event, his principal pulled him to the side. She informed him that the Superintendent talked to her and she conveyed that the air ducts at the middle school were being renovated in the Summer. My son being affirmed by the Superintendent of schools means everything. He told me he thinks he wants to be a doctor. It takes a freaking village - Boom!

Rex Mill Middle School Principal

Ryan M. Odom, 7th Grade STEM Student

Dr. Morcease J. Beasley, Superintendent of Clayton County Public Schools (CCPS)

INAUGURAL RUN TO THE SCIENCE FAIR

Thanks to Ryan's 7th grade science teacher, Mrs Mitchell, he competed in the Science and Engineering Fair at his Middle School, District level and at the State level.

Ryan M. Odom's inaugural run at the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair in Athens, Georgia was an amazing experience for the both of us. Ryan earned 4th Honors in the microbiology category and was received a monetary award by the Scientific Research Society.

He has demonstrated massive emotional growth and improved on some key soft skills during this overall process. Ryan reluctantly submitted his project board, research paper, log book, and PowerPoint presentation in time for his middle school judging timeline. He enthusiastically presented during the District level competition and bravely presented during the state level competition.

Some of the benefits I've notice for Ryan are:

(1) Learning how to manage his time

(2) Establishing priorities between regular school work, house chores, extra curricular activities, and science fair deadlines

(3) Gaining a realistic perspective of how much time to allot to this six month long process

(4) Improving his presentation skills

(5) Gaining a new appreciation for STEM discussions with other children his age.

Ryan is already brainstorming various ideas for his 2019 Science Fair Project.

"Ryan did an outstanding job interviewing Dr. Beasley today. His questioning was like that of a professional. Ryan asked his questions, listened, then followed up with a question before moving on to another aspect of his research. I was able to fill in information about Rex Mill that Dr. Beasley would not know like our Asthma Friendly awards and the maintenance on the HVAC system and filters. Dr. Beasley gave Ryan some important next steps to broaden and deepen his research, and I know all of us will support Ryan in his continued research. I have pasted a few pictures that Mrs. Lane took with my phone. Mrs. Lane will provide a recording of the interview as soon as possible."

Outstanding Job
Middle School Principal

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAANN!! Ryan is an very extraordinary young man. He is trying his best find himself and this a positive progressive step in doing so! I’m so proud of him!"

Proud of him!
Male Mentor Director

"Oh my goodness! This is the best email ever! The poster looks amazing and Ryan looks so nice and professional! I am so proud of the achievements that Ryan made this weekend, but I am even more excited to read Ryans name in future headlines when he becomes a ground breaking scientist! Thank you for sharing the news and the photos with me, and thank you for allowing me to help him in his journey. He is a fantastic kid and he is going to go so far! Again, YAY RYAN!"

Yay Ryan!
College Student

"Congratulations to him and thank you for being a supportive parent!"

Congratulations!
Science Teacher

Middle School Level Competition

In November 2017 Ryan's project board, research paper, and log book earned 1st place in the Microbiology category.

Regional Level Competition

Clayton County Public Schools hosted the annual 2018 Science and Engineer Fair February 10, 2018 at Morrow Middle School.

Judges were charged with examining nearly 80 exhibits from elementary, middle and high schools students. Winners were announced during a special ceremony on at the Performing Arts Center.

Rotary Club Presentation

Watch Ryan's video presentation below. On March 7, 2018 Ryan, along with other Clayton County students who earned 1st place in their specific category presented their project in front of members of the Rotary Club of Clayton County as well as the Superintendent of Clayton County Schools, the President of Clayton State, and other dignitaries. Ryan asked the Superintendent for an interview to further his understanding of the air and water quality in his school.

State Level Competition

On March 23 and 24, 2018 Ryan competed at the state level and earned 4th honors and received a monetary prize from the CDC.

The Georgia Science & Engineering Fair (GSEF) is Georgia’s premier forum for students to showcase their original research, compete for awards, and interact with top-level professional scientists. The science fair system in Georgia serves not only to recognize students for their achievements, but also to prepare students to succeed and flourish in an increasingly complex and highly technical world by becoming problem solvers, critical thinkers, reflective learners, and more productive and influential members of their communities. GSEF is held annually in March/early April at the Classic Center in downtown Athens, Georgia.

Learn More

Hard Work Recognized

Watch the video of Ryan accepting his honor at the Georgia Science and Engineer Fair