“The workstations are totally awesome. They give us plenty of space and utensils. We have everything we need right in front of us. I could live there.” – Breanna Rauccio, Synergistic Systems student, Arlington, Texas

The first Pitsco Systems Essay Contest yielded these and other insightful comments from students who answered the question, “What do you most enjoy about the Pitsco system and why?”

Hundreds of students across the country participated in the contest, and approximately 40 of them advanced to the finals. A team of Pitsco writers and editors reviewed the essays and awarded points.

Diaz, of Channahon Junior High School, captured first place and a $100 Pitsco gift certificate. Rauccio, of Nichols Junior High School, finished second and took home a $50 Pitsco gift certificate.

Some teachers capitalized on the opportunity and worked the essay contest into their lesson plans.

“I think the essay contest was a great idea,” said Greg Burns, a Synergistic Systems facilitator in Brazil, Indiana. “We are required to write across the curriculum at our school, and this was a great opportunity for our students.”

The contest could become an annual event. “Based on the positive response to our first essay contest, we aim to sponsor a second annual Pitsco Systems Essay Contest,” said Pitsco Senior Technical Writer/Editing Manager Tom Farmer. “Students in tech ed and science labs will once again get the chance to express themselves via the written word.”