It may have not won, but Washington Island School District still benefited from a national contest held by Samsung earlier this year. As a part of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest, Washington Island School students were one of 50 finalists to have their project judged regarding the area’s wastewater treatment system. The district captured a $20,000 grant from the technology giant, but did not win the top prize. Teacher Miranda Dahlke still got to go to a workshop over the summer in Silicon Valley where teachers from across the country got to learn more about how technology can be a tool in problem-based education. Principal Michelle Kanipes says she is excited to see what comes out of it.

The project was similar to one done on by Island students 30 years ago and brought national acclaim to the state’s smallest district.