Fifth and sixth-grade MERIT students at Thomas County Middle School were recently awarded a first place win for the state of Georgia as Future Problem Solvers.   The students were tasked with identifying a problem within the community, and finding a creative solution. This group of talented students recognized the challenges that substitute teachers have had providing instruction during this heavily technological year due to COVID-19. Many classrooms have students physically at school, as well as students zooming in virtually from home. Students interviewed Matt Casper, Thomas County Middle School’s Digital Learning Specialist, and created a plan to provide technology support for our substitute teachers. 

The future problem solvers entitled their project ‘Sub Savers’. Judges from the state of Georgia gave these students high praise for the foresight of identifying a problem that may be felt across the nation. Therefore, they have been invited to compete internationally. The international competition will be held on June 7, 2021.

Dana Studdard, MERIT Coordinator at Thomas County Middle School, weighed in by saying, “I am especially proud of this group of thinkers. The MERIT program added Future Problem Solvers to our list of academic competitions just this year. Their goal was to learn about this program, put together their best work, and have fun. We came away with a 1st place state win!”