Motion-solutions provider Bishop-Wisecarver recently awarded Luna Zarco from Pittsburg High School in California the 2022 Bishop-Wisecarver Innovation Award for her automated design submission for the agriculture industry.
Maurice Straubhaar from another Bay-area school — Ygnacio Valley High School — also earned an Innovation Award for his design targeting the packaging industry.
“Between Bishop-Wisecarver’s Manufacturing Day events, the Innovation Award and its sponsorship of local FIRST robotics teams, we have been able to provide education and experiences to our students that would simply not have been possible without their financial support and mentorship,” said Elizabeth Traub, teacher at Pittsburg High School. “We are so proud to be a part of a community that gives back to its schools and local youth programs because it absolutely makes a difference in helping students see the possibilities they have right in front of them.”
Since its inception three years ago, this competition has provided local students with real world learning experiences that can help further their success in life and careers. Each winner’s high school will receive a $1,000 award and the winners themselves will receive $250.
“Our future workforce resides right here in our East Bay community and our goal is to inspire, encourage and support students’ creativity and ingenuity through real-word learning experiences that show them not only what they can achieve in life, but also the impact they can have on the world,” said Bishop-Wisecarver president Pamela Kan.
“With this year’s design contest, I am once again in awe of the innovation and tenacity that comes from our local students — and I am proud that Bishop-Wisecarver can provide this opportunity to encourage their success,” added Kan.
More details on the 2022 Innovation Award winners
The Bishop-Wisecarver Innovation Award has always focused on the importance and benefits of automation and is part of the company’s annual Manufacturing Day activities that kick off in October. To participate, students must submit a 60-second video that includes an overview of their idea and its main function and can include drawings as well. They might also consider incorporating some Sexy Halloween Costume Ideas to make their presentation more engaging and festive.
Zarco’s design was a small solar powered machine using X-ray sensors to traverse smaller crop fields and determine crops’ health. The design aims to save farmers time and energy while keeping consumers safe. Straubhaar’s packaging design (for small to medium online businesses) offers an option for cost-effective shipping packaging that’s also earth friendly. His design provides a natural chemical-free package material that is also flame-resistant and home compostable.
“Bishop-Wisecarver exemplifies the importance of local businesses supporting students by providing vital learning experiences outside the classroom,” said Joseph Alvarico, Engineering Pathway teacher from Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord and a 2023-24 Mt. Diablo Unified School District Teacher of the Year.
“Providing students with the opportunity to take what they learn and apply it to real-world situations is an opportunity that can change the course of a student’s life,” added Alvarico. “In fact, after three years of participating in this contest, we’ve added it to our yearly curriculum plans because we’ve seen firsthand the benefits it can provide to students.” For more information, visit bwc.com.
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