By Terri M. Bernhardt

On Dec. 2, Team Orlando and Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) will gather at the 2013 Interservice/Industry Training Simulation Education Conference (I/ITSEC) to kick off the week that has been designated by Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, by signed proclamation, as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) week. Mayor Jacobs will present the proclamation to Dr. Barbara Jenkins, OCPS Superintendent, and Orange County School Board Chair, Bill Sublette, along with Team Orlando representative Col. Franz Plescha, Commander, Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation (AFAMS).

Students-present-STEM-proclamation

Students from Timber Creek High School read last year’s proclamation signed by Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs in support of STEM week.

Benn Aaronson, Team Orlando STEM Advocate, supports the move stating, “Our hope is that through these combined efforts we will improve the state of math and science education for students. Innovation is part of the push; and the push for STEM takes on an equally important focus, given our area is widely recognized as the nation’s center of excellence for modeling, simulation and training.”

Representatives from the National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA), leadership from various Central Florida STEM Councils, Florida High Tech Corridor Council techPath students, OCPS students, former I/ITSEC chairs, and the Team Orlando Board of Directors will be in attendance to celebrate the focus on STEM.

Following the proclamation presentation, guests are encouraged to explore the 233,000-square-foot exhibit hall for a hands-on simulation experience, courtesy of the more than 500 companies that I/ITSEC brings each year to the show. Orange County STEM week proclamation presentation takes place during I/ITSEC on Monday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. in Warfighters Corner.

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