Multi-faceted talent exposed at STEM Paper Presentation & Spelling Bee by TAMA

Project or paper presentation is usually done at the college level. In this age where many Millennials are moving towards entrepreneurship, if High Schoolers get a chance to present a paper in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math), they will be at the forefront, stage fear reduces and self confidence improves.

Realizing this, the Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta (TAMA) introduced it for the first time in the history of non-profit organizations. Also, competitions like Spelling Bee are usually held in schools. STEM Paper Presentation and Spelling Bee organized by TAMA (Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta) on Saturday, December 9th at the local Sharon Community Building was well received.

National Telugu Organization ATA and Journal of Stem Education Professor Sri. P. K. Raju collaborated in this event, where a record number of over 250 parents, spectators and contestants attended. The paper presentation on various topics like DNA, Soil Conservation, Heart Device, Vedic Science, Carnatic Music, Water Purification was very impressive.

Their performance in both STEM and business perspectives is noteworthy. They have until January to write and submit a detailed paper. The best ones are published in international journals. The spelling bee is divided into 3 categories: up to 3rd grade, 3rd to 5th grade and middle school (6th to 8th grade). It took longer than expected as the students spelled brilliantly in each category.

It is heartening to see so many students from Kindergarten to High School in the same premises. Prizes were awarded to three winners in each category, in both competitions. Parents appreciated this program and enquired about becoming TAMA members, saying that everything TAMA does is useful and good.

This is TAMA’s 31st Program in 2023, which includes around 11 to 12 new and innovative ones. All these are on top of ‘rain or shine’ weekly TAMA Free Clinic and Telugu Manabadi Classes. ‘Giving TAMA – Legacy Arts Service (for the welfare of Artists in Telugu States)’, Christmas Celebrations and many more are coming up. For details visit www.tama.org or email [email protected]

TAMA President SaiRam Karumanchi welcomed everyone and explained about the various multi-faceted programs of TAMA. In particular, he elaborated youth and health programs. Bharath, Darshika, Amrit, Tarun, Aditya and Jayani’s presentations were quite impressive.

Stalwarts and PhD Scholars Dr. Ganesh Thota, Dr. Sneha Talika and Dr. Raghava Tadavarti were judges and have guided the presenters enormously. They congratulated TAMA for doing such a thoughtful and wonderful program, which was not done by anyone earlier.

All three experts were duly honored and felicitated by TAMA. In the Spelling Bee competition, children spelled even the most difficult words, giving parents and visitors great joy and challenges to organizers. As an encouragement from TAMA, a minimum chance of 2 rounds to all children is given, which is not a regular norm.

Sunil Devarapalli and Tarun Karumanchi organized the Spelling Bee very well, with great patience and without any wobbles. Srinivas Ramisetti, Sasi Daggula and Satya Guthula from the TAMA team helped in conducting the event smoothly. On December 3rd, TAMA Biennial Chess Tournament was held online, trophies were awarded at this venue.

Water, Snacks, Chocolates and Tea were provided to all, by the organizers. TAMA T-shirts were also given, one per family. Satya concluded this magnificent event by thanking the judges, students, parents for their encouragement, volunteers, sponsors and TAMA team.