For Immediate Release
November 13, 2013
Contact Information

Bernadette Morris
Sonshine Communications
T: (305) 948-8063
E: bmorris@sonshine.com

(BPRW) MIAMI GARDENS' COUNCILMAN TO SPONSOR THE CITY'S 3rd ANNUAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR

- Award-Winning Event Set for December 9-10, 2013 -

(BLACK PR WIRE) – The City of Miami Gardens will host its third Annual Science and Engineering Fair for students with an interest in science. The event, the brain trust of Councilman David Williams Jr., Seat 5, has become one of the beacon projects in the community, and it is taking off in leaps and bounds with measurable progress and exceptional success. 

“We are committed to increasing our youth’s reliance on science,” said Williams. “We know that there is a widening gap between the U.S. and other countries in the area of science and engineering, for students in grades K-12. This Fair helps expose students to science, engineering, and technology components that will inspire them to seek future endeavors in these fields of study.” 

Students from various schools throughout Miami Gardens are preparing now for their winning projects. Participants from the Innovative Beginnings in Science (IBIS) Programs include: Golden Glades Elementary School, Crestview Elementary School, Scott Lake Elementary School, Rainbow Park Elementary School, Parkview Elementary School, Carol City Elementary School, Hibiscus Elementary School, Barbara Hawkins Elementary School, and Carol City High School. Students first submit their projects at the school level for judging. There are two requirements for participation: (1) Compete on a school level and be selected as one of the top five participants and (2) Engage male participation (father, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher, or friend) during the development, implementation, and creation of the project. The top five scoring projects at the school level will automatically be entered into the City of Miami Gardens Science and Engineering Fair for judging and ranking at the Citywide level. 

The event itself is set for Monday, December 9, 2013 with the Science and Engineering Fair Competition, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at St. Thomas University, 16401 NW 37th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL. In addition to displaying their creative projects, the students will also receive a tour of St. Thomas University and get their first introduction to the college experience. The Fair concludes on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, with the Science Fair Awards Presentation to be held from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, 3000 NW 199th Street, Miami Gardens, FL. 

Over 100 students from schools in Miami Gardens are expected to participate for cash prizes ranging from $25 – $500; the winning potential could be $1,000 for the student and $350 for the school for the most unique project. Judges from various fields will critique student projects and the top five students will be recognized with cash prizes. In addition to the City’s presenting sponsor role, other sponsors include: St. Thomas University, Miami Gardens Kiwanis, Miami Gardens Square One, Inc., Miami Gardens Police Department, Jessie Trice Community Health Center, Florida Power and Light, Calder Casino and Race Course, Lehman Buick, Taste Rite Jamaican Bakery, Georgia’s Paradise, Miami, Miami Dolphins, The International Game Fish Association, Carol City Senior High and Dragon Fisheries. Additional sponsorship opportunities - ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 - are currently available. For details, contact Sonshine at 305-948-8063

About Councilman Williams - Councilman David Williams, Jr. received his Master of Science degree in Human Resources Development and Administration from Barry University and his Bachelor of Science degree in Health from Florida A&M University. He also completed two Preceptor ships - one in Obesity and Weight Management at Internal Medicine Endocrinology, Longevity Center of South Florida, and one in Cardiovascular at the University of Miami School of Medicine. He received clinical training and certification in Corrective Therapy at the VA Hospital in Tuskegee, Alabama. His knowledge and expertise served the pharmaceutical industry for over 33 years. He currently serves as the Florida Director of Community Relations for Informed Families, a non-profit prevention organization focusing on educating families and helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug-free. 

Councilman Williams has a passion for community activism with emphasis on children, families and education. He serves on the Miami-Dade County Public School Superintendent Family and Community Involvement Advisory Committee and the Wellness Advisory Committee. He is a board member with The Early Learning Coalition for Dade/Monroe Counties. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the North Dade Community Federal Credit Union, and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Jessie Trice Community Health Center. He is the recipient of numerous honors: The Specialty Endowment Award by Knoll Pharm, and the Citizen of the Year Award by Eta Phi Beta Gamma Sorority Chapter, among others. In addition, the David Williams, Jr. Science Lab at Parkway Elementary School was dedicated in his honor. 

About the City of Miami Gardens - The City of Miami Gardens is celebrating its 10th Year Anniversary. Miami Gardens is the third largest City in Miami-Dade County. Its new city hall is the only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design public facility in America. The City is home to the Miami Dolphins, University of Miami Football, and two world-class universities – Florida Memorial University and St. Thomas University. 

For more information, or to register a child for the 3rd Annual 2013 Miami Gardens Science and Engineering Fair, contact the school principal or Councilman Williams’ office at (305) 622-8062

MEDIA NOTE: Media interested in attending the event or interviewing Councilman Williams should contact Bernadette Morris at Sonshine Communications at 305-948-8063, ext. 201.