Calaveras County students have Dinner with a Scientist
Students and teachers from Calaveras and Amador county schools gathered Nov. 18 in the first inperson event organized by the Calaveras County Office of Education since March 2020.
The event, Dinner With a Scientist, drew about 175 attendees to an outdoor venue at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, and COVID-19 precautions were followed.
The event brought together STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) professionals and students in a casual dinner conversation. Scientists had 30 minutes with each 10-student group to discuss their career, do demonstrations and discuss college pathways. The intent of the event was to inspire students and allow them to explore new opportunities.
Dr. Rene Ramirez, Calaveras County’s public health officer, was keynote speaker. He encouraged students to “be curious and try new things.”
“It was so great to see the students’ excitement for science,” said Calaveras County Superintendent of Schools Scott Nanik in a news release.
“We had such great attendance at this event,” said Debbie Strand, student event coordinator, in a news release. “It was incredible to see all the students in person again.”
Sponsors for the event included Calaveras Community Foundation, Bank of Stockton, Copper Valley Development and Middleton’s. Angels-murphy Rotary donated $1,000 to the event as well as volunteers to help with dinner service. Murphys Historic Hotel catered the event and donated its time for the cause. A local food vendor donated the food, and the Calaveras County Fairgrounds provided the facility at a deeply discounted rate.
For more information on CCOE student events, go online to www. ccoe.k12.ca.us/studentevents.