Teeland design team says thanks

To the editor:

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our community for its overwhelming support of the Teeland Middle School 2010-11 School of the Future Design Team, leading to its recognition as the national winner of the “School of the Future Design Team Competition” in Washington, D.C., April 13.

This team of a dozen students excelled in creating a sustainable, integrated school of the future after enduring hundreds of hours of tedious research — much of which was accomplished during after school hours, weekends and holidays.

Through their efforts, these young people were able to identify goals, recognize and overcome obstacles and challenges to excel victoriously at the state-, regional- and national-level competitions. These students have received many accolades for their work from judges, so much so that the team had been invited by other professional organizations to showcase their work on a national stage. These students are the epitome of what hard work and motivation can accomplish. Certainly, it gives us hope that these students will be the future leaders of tomorrow.

Several organizations within the community provided encouragement through their logistical and financial generosity. We would like to thank the Frontiersman and KTUU for their coverage; TMS Librarian Mary Cochran and her guidance of the team; Zach Neubauer, the team’s high school mentor; Architects Alaska and mentor-architect Anna Lee for her valued guidance; Alaska Laborers; Mr. Lube; Chepo’s Fiesta Restaurant; Dr. John C. Boston; Tamie Taylor; Donald and Linda Grove; Steve and Linda Farris; John and Chystyna Maketa; Elwyn and Faith Fisher; Donald and Sheryl Shiesl; Nancy and Randy Moss; Ray Ambridge; JC Electric Service Co.; Allstate Devery Prince Agency; National Association of Women in Construction; Cruz Construction; Wasilla Mayor Verne Rupright; Heather Troy; Culver Surveying; Diversified Tire; and BP.

These individuals and businesses should also be commended for their committed efforts in supporting our students. We could not have done it without them.

B.A. Mitchell

Wasilla

On behalf of participant parents and Teeland Middle School