Bighelp For Education, New Hampshire(NH) Chapter, Celebrates STEAM -2018

Bighelp for Education New Hampshire Chapter held its 3rd annual spring festival – STEAM (Science. Technology. Engineering. Arts. and Mathematics) 2018 on May 13th, at Nashua High School North in Nashua, NH. Over 200 people attended this fundraiser event which lasted from 10am to 8pm. Nearly $8000 was raised for the unfortunate children who aspire for a better life through education. Attendees were greeted warmly at the front desk as soon they came in, and proceeded to their contest after checking in at the registration table. This year’s program also happened to share its date with Mother’s Day.

Bighelp’s NH Chapter’s primary initiative this year was to encourage children to develop their interest in STEAM fields.To achieve this objective, the NH Chapter introduced some unique contests such as LEGO block building, Brain Quatrain, Short Film, and BSAT (BigHelp Skills Ability Test). The coloring competition complemented the contest palette.

The BigHelp committee newly introduced a science fair, for scientists among the BigHelp community to come and educate others about different areas of science. It was an astonishing day of discovery, which was witnessed by over 150 kids and parents. The hall was filled with exhibits, innovations and applications, which were comprised of many different facets of science. More than 50 young, budding scientists had 38 different demonstrations, displays and/or hands on activities. Representatives from five corporate companies, “Bio-Rad”, “iRobot”, “Luminopia”, “E-Ink” and “Amgen”, also came to educate the BigHelp community about how their scientific discoveries impact our world today. A couple of doctors exhibited important displays, which described nutritional facts, diabetes and its effect on various organs of body. They also explained how different nutrition levels are measured, and what the numbers mean. Kids also got to use stethoscope, BP monitor, Pulse Oximeter and Body Mass Index measure. Over all the event turned out to be very educational, informative, and satisfying to STEM savvy kids.

Bighelp’s NH Chapter believes that exciting contests and experiments listed above, based on real-world themes, will help develop valuable life skills such as critical thinking, team building, problem solving, and effective presentation while nourishing a sense of fun and accomplishment in the children. This was in ample evidence in the smiles of both parents and children alike at the venue.

As the contests began to wind down in the afternoon, focus shifted to the cultural performances in which about 110 energetic performers took part. This colorful and entertaining part of  the event started off with a welcome address by Bighelp Nh Chapter Secretary, Saradhi Valluru, and a recitation of‘Vande Mataram’ and the US National Anthem by Bighelp NH Team. Cultural programs were an interesting mix of dance and skit performances. It was very evident that each participant team was there to entertain the audience with their skills. The teams were composed with no age barrier  to showcase their talents; teams constituted father and sons, little kids, teenagers, adults performing and dancing to tunes ranging from classical, folk and movie songs. The skit by students of Balahari showcased how they have been learning Bhagavad Gita and comparing/interpreting it into their daily lives and situations around them. On this Mother’s Day it was a wonderful treat for mothers to see their children and family members on stage. To honor all the moms out there, a beautiful photo booth was set up, where pictures were taken and printed and given as a memorable keepsake.

During the celebrations, Bighelp Founder & President, Mr. Chand Pasha Shaik, detailed the organization's efforts and highlights for the year 2017. He thanked the donors and volunteers for their continued support and introduced the NH Chapter of the organization – Mrs. Pratima Penumarthy (President), Mr. Vishnu Kode (Vice President), and Mr. Saradhi Valluru (Secretary) to the audience. Members from Boston Chapter present at the event were also invited on stage.

Trophies and certificates were presented by the contest coordinators to all the winners. Dr. Bala Sundaram, Dr. Tenneti, Dr. Ateev Mehrotra and Mr. Sudhakar Tadepalli were the honored guests who gave the winning kids their trophies and certificates.  YouthHelp members, Sana Pasha Shaik, Anurag Amarvadi, Shivani Dadigala, Akhila Penumarthy, Aniketh Chilukuri and SriSai Valluru, ably emceed the event. Backstage coordination went smooth with the help of youth volunteers like Shreyas Chaturvedula and Sai Valluru

Lunch and snacks were sold for nominal prices. A complimentary dinner prepared by the volunteers was served after the stage performances. To continue with Green Team efforts all attendees were suggested to recycle plastic bottles and to help reduce waste. The team was successful in its objective to raise awareness among attendees.  

Organizers, adult and youth volunteers, contest and cultural program coordinators and participants, and general audience all did their part to contribute to the success of the event and went home with the reassuring knowledge that it was time, effort, and money well spent for a truly noble cause.

Bighelp extends heartfelt thanks and warm wishes to all the Sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event.

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