This year I’m proud to represent my community as a board member of the Viper Nation Academic Booster. 

Previously called Viper Nation Education Foundation, this charitable organization raises money to provide leadership, entrepreneurship, college readiness, and STEM-related grants and scholarships to students and teachers attending Vandegrift High School, or one of their feeder middle or elementary schools in the Four Points area. 

As an engineer, and former algebra teacher, I know firsthand how important it can be to provide fun and inspiring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math curriculum, projects and equipment. But often the hi-tech programs are expensive, and out of reach for students in public schools. I’m proud to live in a community whose parents have banded together to ensure that our children remain competitive in STEM and are prepared to lead into the 21st century. 

Last year, Steve Welch and I co-managed a 3rd-grade Destination Imagination team. DI is an international competition in creative problem-solving. Our team was Team D.I.C.E. (Destination Imagination Creative Engineers) and we placed 1st in Regionals, 3rd in State and 6th at the Global Competition in Kansas City, where we competed along with 7,000 other students from 15 countries. 

But what is remarkable is that three other teams, two from Steiner Ranch Elementary and one from Canyon Ridge Middle competed alongside us at the Globals Competition. Our Four Points – Viper Nation area is one of the most competitive in DI. 

LISD sponsors competition entry fees, that can amount to thousands of dollars, but does not provide funding for materials, equipment or electronics necessary to be competitive. This year Viper Nation has set aside a $100 grant for up to 30 DI teams. 

My son says it best: “Viper Nation, thank you for giving us money to buy supplies. DI helps me learn to work as a team. I hope to become an engineer, and DI will help me accomplish that,”  Manny Paz, 10 years old, SRE 4th grade. 

Viper Nation doesn’t only support DI. From organizing free Homework Help at Cups & Cones to providing grants for robotics, leadership programs for athletes, and college scholarships for students and teachers, Viper Nation is stimulating academic excellence in the Four Points community. 

The Viper Nation Academic Booster annual Fall Giving Campaign kicks off this week. Please join my family in giving generously. To find out more about Viper Nation please visit www.vipernation.org.