HARROGATE, Tenn. — J. Frank White Academy (JFWA) elementary and middle school students participated in the LEGO Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Event at Lincoln Memorial University’s (LMU) Carnegie Vincent Library on Sept. 27.

Twenty-one participants built models of well-known sites across Tennessee. Winners in the sixth- through eighth-grade division were Cameron Muncy, Dalton Brown and Stephen Thomas for their version of the Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (second place) and Anna Graham and Marley Caldwell won for the University of Tennessee Neyland Stadium build (first place). Winners in the fourth- through fifth-grade division were Alexa Craney and Keli Collins for the model of Wonder Works in Sevierville, Tennesse (second place) and Levi Williamson for his model of Knoxville’s Sun Sphere (first place). The winner by popular vote from LMU students, faculty and staff was the model of the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum by Ellie Lintelman-Nader and Georgia Robards. The winning builds are on display in LMU’s Carnegie Vincent Library.

“The project provided hands-on experience the students need to explore core STEM concepts and link them to real-life phenomenon,” said Bethany Coke, health sciences librarian. “LEGO® bricks encourage students’ natural curiosity and help them develop creativity, collaboration and critical thinking-skills in a fun and exciting way.”

Coke and Amanda Sanders, adjunct librarian, worked with JFWA STEM Coordinator Chris Stotts and JFWA instructors Katie Stotts and Judy Grandey to plan the event. A grant from the Appalachian College Association (ACA) Innovation & Enrichment Development Opportunities (IEDO) funded the event. The grant is to support collaboration between departments on campus and promote library services. Along with the Carnegie Vincent Library and JFWA, LMU faculty participated in the LEGO STEM event. The students enjoyed the STEM Talk, which included presentations by Dr. Ashraf Aly, Joe Gill, Jim Melton, Dr. Aggy Vanderpool and Dr. Kevin Cooper.

The J. Frank White Academy is a private coeducational college preparatory school located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University and serves students in fourth- through 12th-grades from Claiborne, Union, Campbell and Hancock counties in Tennessee; Bell County, Kentucky; and Lee County, Virginia. For more information contact the Academy Office at 423-869-6234 or visit www.LMUnet.edu/academy.