Traverse City West Senior High School announced today that Best Buy has awarded a $2,500 Teach Award to the school for integrating interactive technology into the curriculum. The funds will be used to enhance the student newspaper, The Occidentalist. The award will be used to purchase cameras and accessories for students to use in conjunction with the journalism curriculum.

“I’m really excited to now be able to provide an authentic experience for my students in terms of photography for our school paper. This is an area where we have a real opportunity to do more,” commented Occidentalist Adviser Laura Wright.

Best Buy started the Teach Award Program in October 2003, to reward schools that creatively integrate interactive technology into their curricula. All accredited, public, and private nonprofit elementary, middle, and secondary schools located within 50 miles of a Best Buy store were eligible to apply. Awards of $2,500 were given to 1,300 schools to sustain or enhance existing educational programs.

“Today, teachers across the country are using technology in new and exciting ways; we want to support and recognize their efforts to engage students and make learning fun,” said Paula Prahl, VP of Public Affairs for Best Buy. “The Teach Award program helps creative educators enhance their curricula. By committing dollars to the communities in which we work and live, we can more fully support our employees, our customers, and their families.”

Please contact Laura Wright at 933-7795 for more information.