Samsung Electronics America is giving Anthony Saville Middle School in northwest Las Vegas $20,000 worth of Samsung technology after being chosen the state winner of Samsung’s 6th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest.
There was one school chosen in each of the 50 competing states.
“The breadth of project topics ranging from eliminating pedestrian fatalities in urban areas to designing a mobile shelter to keep the traditions of a community with a nomadic heritage alive and everything in between – all through the application of science and technology — truly speak to Samsung’s roots in creating innovations that matter, the kind that improve people’s lives in tangible ways,” said Ann Woo, director of corporate citizenship at Samsung Electronics America. “We look forward to helping these students and teachers build greater STEM competency both in and out of their classrooms to empower them further.”
Students at each chosen school are given $20,000 in technology to use in the next phase in the contest: create a two-minute video about their project that addresses the contest challenge, which is to show how STEM can help improve the community. Each of the 51 schools receives a Samsung GALAXY Camera, ATIV Book 9 laptop loaded with Adobe Elements software to help them make their video.
There were originally 4,100 entrants chasing after their part of the $2 million prize pool. The 15 winners of the next phase will receive $40,000 for their school. After that, five national winners are chosen to receive $120,000 for their school. The selection process is split up: three of the five are selected by a panel of judges; one is selected by Samsung employees; and one is selected by online voters.
“It’s a learning opportunity that encourages customized teaching, students to excel in their areas of interest, and present and defend their work to experts and media,” said Tom Larsen, who led his class of Galena High School STEM Academy freshman in Reno, to become a national winner last year. “I couldn’t have imagined the impact this would have on me personally, my students, our program, school and community. This was a school year none of us will ever forget.”
The program was launched in 2010 to engage students in hands-on STEM learning, as US students were trailing in STEM skills. Since 2004, the company has invested over $17 million in technology. Over 1,200 public schools in the U.S. have received a reward. Samsung also partners with BrainPOP, Adobe and the National Environmental Education Foundation.
Restaurant Group partners with Station Casinos
Clique Hospitality is developing two new restaurant concepts, in a partnership with Station Casinos, at Green Valley Ranch Resort.
And it has assumed management of Red Rock Resort’s Mexican restaurant, Mercadito, which will be renamed Libre in early after its grand reopening.
Bottiglia, an Italian restaurant, will open in April at Green Valley Ranch Resort with Borracha, a Mexican restaurant concept, to follow in May.
“Our relationship with Stations Casinos has been very successful to date and an overall incredible experience. We are thrilled to be moving forward on these exciting new projects and foster our relationships with the local market,” said Andy Masi, founder of Clique Hospitality.
Under the partnership, Stations owns the restaurants, and Clique Hospitality is the developer and manager of each restaurant concept.
“We are more than excited to grow our culinary offerings with Clique Hospitality,” said Marc Falcone, CFO for Station Casinos. “Andy Masi and his team continue to develop innovative and exciting restaurant venues to round out our diverse collection of restaurants at both Red Rock Resort and soon Green Valley Ranch Resort.”
Clique Hospitality was founded by Masi, the founder and former CEO of Light Group. Masi is also partner with Brian Massie and Shane Monaco in the venture. The group has eight restaurants and lounges in the pipeline planned throughout California and Nevada.
Clique already manages multiple restaurants at Red Rock Resort including Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar and Salute Trattoria Italiana. Libre will be located between the two.
The group is planning on renovating Libre and revamping its current menu. Chef Brian Massie will run the kitchen at the Mexican restaurant. The menu will include vegan selections along with selections that are suitable for gluten-free guests.
Valley Health opens pharmacies
Members of the Valley Health System along with members of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of five new CentRx retail pharmacies at each Valley Health System hospital on Dec. 9.
“We developed our pharmacies for the convenience of our patients,” explained Karla Perez, regional vice president of The Valley Health System in a release. “Patients can have their prescribed medications delivered to their room before they are discharged, or pick it up after an outpatient surgery or a visit to the emergency department. Through our patients’ feedback, we learned some people have transportation challenges to pick up medications, or simply want to go home rather than stop by the pharmacy. Both situations impede patients’ ability to take any necessary medications that will assist with their recovery.”
The Valley Health System hospitals include Centennial Hills Hospital, Desert Springs Hospital, Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center, Summerlin Hospital Medical Center and Valley Hospital Medical Center, where CentRx retail pharmacies can be found.