Desert Wind wins grand prize in Samsung contest

(MUSD Press Release) – After writing and producing a video on Maricopa’s air-quality problems that was submitted to Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow contest, 35 seventh and eighth grade students from Desert Wind Middle School (DWMS) were one of the four grand prize winners who received a $100,000 technology package, along with a trip to Washington D.C. This is in addition to the initial $70,000 won as being one of the top 12 national finalists – out of 1400 schools nationwide.

“It was great to even be a chosen applicant out of the over 1000 schools that submitted entries, but to have made it as a top-12 finalist and now a grand prize winner, it’s a HUGE accomplishment for our students, school and community,” said Michael Russoniello, the science teacher at DWMS who originally submitted the video and grant request.

As a grand prize winner, DWMS will be receiving the $100,000 technology package and an invite for four representatives to join Samsung at an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. which will honor the grand prize winners.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for our students and teachers at Desert Wind, and also a point of pride for our school district,” said Ember Conley, deputy superintendent of the Maricopa Unified School District. “This grant will not only benefit our students education for years to come, but it will put a spotlight on the education and opportunity available in Maricopa, with Desert Wind now being chosen as one of the top four schools in the nation.”