On Thursday, November 13th, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) students entered Mr. Mike Wallace’s classroom in the presence of some unexpected guests. Mary Kraus, a member of the San Diego Science Alliance (SDSA) Board of Directors and the 2014 High Tech Fair Chairperson, was there to present an award to CCHS senior Michaela Elmer.

Michaela, along with her STEAM classmates, attended the SDSA High Tech Fair on October 22, 2014. The attendees at the fair engaged in a scavenger hunt that involved speaking to representatives at the fair in order to answer questions. Michaela’s answers, reviewed by Mary Kraus, were deemed very relevant and high quality. Her name was entered in a drawing to win.

“I am very proud of Michaela. Over 4,000 people attended the High Tech Fair this year, and she stood out amongst everyone as an individual who truly embraced the spirit of the fair by seeking out and exploring the many careers opportunities in STEAM,” said Mr. Wallace.

Michaela was completely unaware that she had been placed in the drawing. Even more so, she had no idea that she had been selected as the winner. As a result, Michaela’s Thursday morning was full of surprise. After Kraus’ introduction of the award and her presentation of a certificate for Michaela, she handed over a neatly wrapped purple package. Inside the box was a brand new Nokia smartphone.