Reno Air Races - STEM, SPEED & DEATH

One of the most generous men I have ever met is the sponsor for an AMAZING STEM venue at the September Reno Air Races.  Thomas Rizza, out his own pocket,  founded GRADD STEM EDUCATION  and has run it for the last 6 years. 
Now sponsored by RAR we saw thousands of school children come through the STEM DISCOVERY ZONE tents along the raceway to fly simulators and learn about Flight Test Engineering, AR, and 3D printing.  They run the gamut from brilliant 12 year olds to 18 year olds who can't do long division without a calculator (too many in this category?!) . 
The most impressive thing was the amazing student volunteers from both high school and college.  Smart, ambitious and in some ways, wise - way beyond their years.   There is hope for our future!
In the evenings I had a blast playing my guitar, singing and dancing in the casino lounges with Gen X STEM, SFTE, and Microsoft volunteers. 
Atlantis Casino
I have discovered the fountain of youth! (combined with supplements and fasting :) The only downside was the racing mishap that killed a pilot on the last day of the races.  We toasted pilot, Aaron Hoag.  He lived life fully until he died.  Life is precious and fleeting. Carpe diem!
My SFTE board member colleague Vanessa


Location: Reno, NV, USA

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