E D U C AT I O N \\
Enter the Great Frederick
DISCOVERY RACE
BY DR. TERRY ALBAN, SUPERINTENDENT, FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is excited to launch the Great
Frederick Discovery Race this spring to support our Young Scholars
program while providing a fun community activity.
FCPS “Young Scholars” have created clues to help race participants
of all ages find and learn about locations throughout Frederick’s
historic district. Families, co-workers, neighbors or any group
can sign up now to race as a team from 2–4 p.m., on Saturday,
May 13. As racers find each location, they snap a team photo as
proof. The race is suitable for all ages and can be as competitive
or non-competitive as the participants wish.
The first teams to complete 11 of 12 clue challenges will win prizes.
But that’s not all! The Great Frederick Discovery Race will also
yield awards to racers with the best costume themes. Teams can race
in superhero costumes, as historic figures, or dressed to represent
their work or other group. There is a lot of freedom to be creative
and have fun with costumes.
The FCPS Young Scholars program is for students with high
academic potential, but are traditionally underrepresented in advanced
coursework. They may lack advocates, access, or experiences. Many
are students whose family circumstances make them eligible for
free or reduced-price school meals.
Founded in 2011, the FCPS Young Scholars program operates at
Hillcrest and Monocacy Elementary schools and Monocacy and
West Frederick Middle schools, where students learn about future
opportunities in engineering and other STEM (science, technology,
engineering and math) fields. Students remain part of the program
throughout their school years. The first group of Young Scholars
will enter Frederick and Gov. Thomas Johnson high schools this
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fall. All funds raised through the race will support field trips and
summer experiences for Young Scholars.
The idea for the Great Frederick Discovery Race came about during
a meeting of a group called Eliminating Achievement Gaps, Inc.
(EAG). Ed Hinde, who directs SHIP (the Student Homelessness
Initiative Partnership) suggested the idea. Meg Lee, who supervises
Advanced Academics for the school system, agreed it was a terrific
project for students to undertake and a great way to raise support
to continue the Young Scholars program. Middle school Young
Scholars created the race clues as part of last summer’s camp.
The Community Foundation of Frederick County agreed to manage
the race fund. Early bird registration is $20 per person or $70 per
team of up to four. Registration is open now at http://tinyurl.com/
GreatFDRace and will continue through race day. Early registration
will help coordinators prepare for a successful event.
Please sign up now to join the Great Frederick Discovery Race
for an afternoon of excitement, learning and fun for all ages. As a
bonus, you’ll be making a positive difference for local students to
ensure a bright future in Frederick County.
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For more about the Young Scholars program, see the FCPS
YouTube video: youtu.be/CxWmxGNfNoo