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In the category of gifted children, the winner was North Alabama Mensa for its Kid's Trek program, chaired by Martha Feld. The group sponsors a series of events for children throughout the group's community, promoting opportunities for children and their parents to find mutual interest areas and to network with others of similar interests. The events draw children and their parents from city schools, county schools, private schools and even home schools. Twenty members of North Alabama participated in this outstanding program.
Some projects that North Alabama sponsors as part of its Kids Fest are: Inventor Day, where young inventors from kindergarten through eighth grade are recognized and honored; The Gift of GAB (General Articulate Basics), which recognizes and encourages children's public speaking talents; Chemistry Night, for all children accompanied by adults interested in exploring the mysteries of the universe; Mensa Brain Games, where children are challenged with various games of logical thinking; and Gifted Heart, which celebrates the interpersonal talents of children to the community. Other activities include programs on architecture, creative writing, astronomy and cultural celebrations.
North Alabama Mensa has become a popular and recognized member of the Huntsville community and has gained and retained many members, as well as much good will, for their Kid's Fest program. Citizens of the Huntsville area look forward to the Mensa events and speak of North Alabama Mensa with pride.
In the category of education, the award went to Greater Columbus Mensa for its donation of books to the governor of Ohio's educational program. Bob Beatty of Greater Columbus Mensa is an acquaintance of Governor Bob Taft of Ohio and is familiar with the governor's dedication to improving the educational level of the state. One of the governor's initial concepts upon recently taking office was to provide books donated by the public to every school in Ohio and have them distributed a short time after his inauguration. Bob said to Governor Taft, "Mensa can do this."
Columbus Mensa began to obtain the books from various sources - their own books, books from friends in their school system, books from other people where they worked, and books donated by Highlights for Children, which is located in Columbus. In a period of five days, they collected more than 2,300 books, more than enough to provide a book to every school in Ohio, compliments of Governor Taft and Columbus Mensa.
In the category of community service, the honor went to Minnesota Mensa for its State Fair Booth. DeDe Tredinnick chaired the project and recruited 28 other members of Minnesota Mensa to assist her.
The group staffed a booth for the duration of the Minnesota State Fair, providing information about Mensa, Mensa scholarships, and gifted children programs, quizzes and games, membership applications, mini-tests, information on accessing the Internet and the Minnesota Mensa bulletin board, and information on how to take tests, which was very well received by school children.
More than 300,000 people passed by the Mensa booth, and many stopped to inquire about Mensa and Mensa's various outreach programs - scholarships and gifted children in particular.
Current Winners | Past Winners.
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