The Fort Worth Chamberletter

By Micheal Truss, marketing intern

Meadowbrook 7th-graders at the Chamber’s Math & Science camp.

Forty 7th-grade students from Meadowbrook Middle School attended the third annual Math & Science Camp on the Texas Wesleyan University Campus (TWU) May 20-21.

The camp’s purpose is to demonstrate the importance of math and science in everyday life, and to give them ideas about future career goals. Activities are coordinated and funded by the Chamber’s East Area Council board (EAC).

The students are enrolled in the AVID Program: Advancement via Individual Determination. Students involved in AVID receive one-on-one guidance and tutoring. AVID has helped hundreds of students across 28 secondary campuses in the Fort Worth ISD.

“The Math & Science Camp has been successful for three years now and we look forward to keeping it running for years to come,” said John Gonzales, communications outreach coordinator at TWU. “We gave our best effort to give each student a quality learning experience. We hope some will be back one day as TWU students.”

All students attended two classes each day focusing on math, science, team building and personal growth. Motivational speeches on team building and setting goals were given by representatives of TWU, Fort Worth Brahmas, The Boys and Girls Club and others.

The first day students learned about physical science and computer gaming. Dr. Ric Rodriquez, TWU, spoke on the electromagnetic spectrum. He explained how it influences our daily lives, from microwaves to rays of sunlight. Charlene Ghaedi and Don Cunningham of Tarrant County College held two classes explaining the benefits of computer gaming, which helps with problem solving and intellectual exercises for players.

The second day offered classes in geology and engineering. During geology class, students learned about types of land formations. Nina Ronalder of EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) spoke about the geological makeup of the Earth and how EnCana uses drilling equipment to capture fossil fuels to provide energy for our nation. Jeff Abbot, design engineer for Painless Performance Inc., showed students how mathematics must be applied to construct the various parts of any automobile, from the engine to the chassis.

“Three of the four instructors have participated from the beginning and we hope that it becomes an annual event for Nina Ronalder as well,” said Pennie Blossom, director of area councils for the Fort Worth Chamber.

Lisa Dodson

A special fund for students and educators has been created in loving memory of Lisa Ann Dodson, executive assistant for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce for 16 years, who suffered a massive stroke and passed away December 18, 2008. She was 48.

Lisa coordinated all activities of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and coordinated and documented many high-level meetings of the region’s business executives and elected officials. She also managed fundraising and volunteer activities for the National Cutting Horse Association’s Cutting Champions Club and Futurity events.

She left behind a loving husband David Dodson, a middle school science teacher, and two daughters. Visit her Remembrance Guestbook here.

Fund Description

Awards from the Lisa Dodson Memorial Education Fund will be used to supplement teachers’ needs in Fort Worth ISD classrooms and distributed through the Chamber’s five Area Council Boards to their adopted schools: North-J.P. Elder Middle School, Central-Charles Nash Elementary School, East-Meadowbrook Middle School, West-Monnig Middle School and South-South Hills High School.

Funding will be reviewed and granted by the Fort Worth Chamber Foundation Trustees.

Past education projects of Chamber Area Councils have included math and science camps, robotics kits, a science garden, back-to-school packs for financial need children and field trips.

To Make a Donation

Click here to make a donation online or to print a form for mailing payment. Memorial contributions will be acknowledged with a card that does not disclose the amount of the gift. Acknowledgment of your gift is mailed as quickly as possible, usually within a week. This gift is 100% tax-deductible as a charitable donation.

If you have questions, contact Patti Steelman, VP finance and controller, at 817-336-2491 x 253.