Panasonic Sends Contest Winner To Olympic Games In Beijing

Each of the students who participated in the contest was required to create and produce an 8-10 minute multimedia project entitled “A Teenager’s Life in China Today”, including a written narrative with no less than 500 words and research annotations. The winner will travel with a chaperone to Beijing for the summer Olympic Games, of which Panasonic is an official sponsor. Two runners-up in the competition were each awarded a 42” plasma television. The awards ceremony took place at the St. Lucie County Board of Education in Fort Pierce, FL on Tuesday, March 11, 2008.

“We support education as part of our corporate mission,” said Frank DeFina, President of Panasonic System Solutions Company. “The objective behind the creation of this China Experience competition was to inspire students to learn more about their world and their counterparts in other countries.”

This is not Panasonic's first involvement with the St. Lucie School District. In 2005 Panasonic implemented a full education technology solution initiative at the Oak Hammock K-8 school, providing each instructor with a Panasonic Toughbook computer and each classroom with a Panasonic ceiling-mounted camera, wireless capable LCD projector, integrated DVD/VCR and audio enhancement system. The school was provided with computers at a ratio of one to every three students. Additionally, Panasonic supplied its SportsCoach system to the District for athletic performance analysis for their baseball, softball, football, basketball and soccer programs. The project encompasses classroom systems, teacher work areas, ITV stations, administrative office areas, a media center, labs plus a video production and acquisition area. As part of the alliance agreement, Panasonic also supplied its expertise in the fields of graphics, broadcast video and multi media to provide insight into new trends and techniques. Similar implementations are taking place at several other schools within the District.

Highlights of the China Experience prize include round trip business class travel, six nights in the five-star Kuntai Royal Hotel, all meals and transportation, sightseeing, special gifts from Panasonic and four days at the Olympic Games.-Panasonic