Mundelein High School faculty receive grants

The Mundelein High School Community, Education and Alumni Foundation presented six $500 and $600 grants to members of the MHS faculty at a ceremony held May 21 at the high school. CEAF Board Member Paul Havlik made the presentations.

Ÿ Jamie Moderhack and Katie Giambeluca earned a grant for literacy in science. They will use a Henrietta Lacks novel in their courses. It is a true story about how cancer research started in the 1900s from one woman’s cell.

Ÿ Mike Hickey, Matt Farmer and Mark Michalski of the physics department received a grant for a crash simulator. The funds were donated by Bill and Nora T’Niemi of the Mundelein community. With this simulator, students will be able to design a project (a car bumper) to solve a problem (minimizing the force of impact) and to test the performance of their solution.

Ÿ Maureen Baker, special learning program, received a grant to create a “Sensory Corner” for students. The corner will enhance the learning of the special needs population by providing a place for students to attain an optimal level of alertness for class performance. The use of color and various aural and visual stimuli will help provide calming repetitive stimulation to the central nervous system.

Ÿ Blair Winter received a grant for use in the Spanish for Heritage Learners course. To help students develop a passion for literacy in their first language, Winter will select books, all in Spanish, that will include a mix of high-interest teen books and classical Latin American Literature.

Ÿ Janet Pullano, College/Career Resource Center, earned a grant in conjunction with the MHS Education-Business Partnership for Project Dress for Success. It will provide students with appropriate attire, grooming and/or transportation for interviews. It includes internships, service learning projects, scholarships and job opportunities.

Ÿ Rodolfo Cabrera, technology, received a grant for a Robotics Unmanned Aerial/Water Vehicle. Funds will be used for purchase of more electronics and sensors for aerial and aquatic robots. The Robotics Club is on its way to developing a quad copter.

The purpose of CEAF is to enhance the learning environment and opportunities for MHS students and future alumni. The group generates and provides financial resources to Mundelein High School and serves as a catalyst in developing educational initiatives that benefit all students.