I'd Like to Share My Exciting News

[HollyinNNV]

I've not posted on these forums much since they've changed. Our family has been pretty busy getting ready for an engineering contest called the Future Cities Contest. The regional competition in our areas was held last weekend and my dd and her friend won first place. They get an all-expenses trip to D.C. to compete in the national competition! Because I was the "teacher" I also get the free trip. Our engineer mentor is a homeschool dad and also gets a free trip.

This is the second year the girls competed. Last year they won 2nd place. The competition includes an abstract, essay, computer model, 3d model, oral presentation and ability to answer questions on the spot.

Proud to represent homeschoolers in D.C.!
Holly
PS-Our family has never been to D.C.-we'd love to hear about any "can't miss" monuments/museums etc.:D

[Ms. Riding Hood]

Congratulations! That's a neat story. I'm happy for you!

[MaryM]

Way to go Mom and students!! I just love to read about these homeschool successes. Have a blast in DC - it's one of my all time favorite places. Best of luck in the next phase of the competition as well.

Mary

[Jane in NC]

How exciting for you and the girls!

With regard to DC, you can spend days wandering through the various Smithsonian museums and not see everything. I would do the monuments at night--after the museums close!

[Cynde]

Congrats! That sounds like a huge accomplishment.

I live in the D.C area. If you are limited on time, I'd see the monuments at the National Mall http://www.nps.gov/nama/, Arlington National Cemetary http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/ (don't miss the changing over of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier if you go here), and some of the Smithsonean museums, http://www.si.edu/. You'd have a hard time squeezing these all into four days. Another fun place is the National Zoo http://nationalzoo.si.edu/. All these are free (paid for by your tax dollars :))

Other neat spots are:
1. The Holocaust Museum http://www.ushmm.org/ - free but call in advance for tickets
2. International Spy Museum http://www.spymuseum.org/ - charges admission
3. Mount Vernon http://www.mountvernon.org/ - this is great but is pricey and would require more transportation. Personally, I think it's better in the spring and summer when the gardens are in bloom.
4. Capitol Building, White House, Federal Mint, etc all in the area of the memorials and museums.

The Metro subway system is the easiest way to get around when staying in D.C. If the girls want to do a little shopping, there's a great mall at Pentagon City which is right on the Metro at the Pentagon City stop.

There will be more than plenty to keep you very busy and wishing you had more time.

Enjoy!
Cynde

[percytruffle]

Congratulations! That is so amazing.

I agree about seeing the monuments in the evening. We took an evening tour of them on a bus. They let you off at each stop with plenty of time to roam around. They were just lovely and inspiring at night all lit up! It will free up your days to visit the museums. You're going to love the Smithsonian museums.

Have a wonderful time.

[DIY-DY]

OMGosh, that's fantastic! WAY TO GO, guys!!

Enjoy your trip, and give the girls a big pat on the back for a job well done! Are they completely excited about the trip and the national competition? I know I am - so be sure to post updates, okay?!?!

[DollyM]

Gosh, this is huge. Kudos to you, your mentor and especially to the girls. I hear the ring of scholarship money in the background ... :D

[Blue Hen]

Thanks for sharing this news. Wonderful to hear, wonderful.

Enjoy DC. You've gotten great advice on things to see and I don't really have any additional points to add on.

Carole

[MAinAZ]

Holly,
That is great news. You must be so proud of your daughter and her friend. Congratulations to you too for your hard work!
We did the Future City Competition here in Phoenix. This was our 1st year and the boys were awarded 4th place. It was an amazing experience.
Be sure and post about the National Competion.
Mary Ann

[Anne/Ankara]

Amazing! Well done all around! Have fun in DC and let us know how it goes!

[HollyinNNV]

Thanks everyone-for your good wishes and congratulations.

Thanks Cynde-I printed out your travel suggestions.

Mary Ann-This was our second year of competition. The girls learned a lot from their previous experience. They had received second place as 7th graders. At first they were really bummed to lose. However the team that took first place ended up taking second place in nationals. So, they had really strong competition as 7th graders. We just didn't know at the time.

I'll let you all know how it goes!
Holly