Dear Editor:

Future Problem Solvers from across Virginia gathered in Franklin this weekend at the twentieth annual Future Problem Solving of Virginia State Bowl. Students participated in a variety of competitions in three separate grade level divisions. Powhatan sent teams to compete from the elementary, middle, junior high and high school. The competition focuses on solving real world problems, and this year the students were asked to develop solutions to a water quality problem.

The 4th Graders from Pocohontas Elementary School, coached by Diane Hardt, took first place in the junior division for the state, and will be headed to the International Conference at the University of Wisconsin at La Cross. The team includes Ashley Rissmeyer, Henry Adkins, Hannah Hald, and Kaity McCullough.  Second place went to Pocohontas Middle School’s team, coached by Paige Anderson.  

We think Powhatan’s success at the state bowl speaks volumes for the quality of education in the Powhatan Schools and even moreso the quality of the teachers in the Talented and Gifted (TAG) Program. They worked until midnight with the students on Friday night and volunteered as judges even later into the night. Also, Mrs. Debra Putney from the Pocohontas Elementary School volunteered to help chaperone and coach the team at states, while Mrs. Hardt helped judge other divisions.

We are very proud of the students and wish them luck at the International Competition, representing Virginia.  We are thankful for the great teachers involved and their dedication should be acknowledged by our community.  
 
Don and Karen Rissmeyer
Powhatan