Pictured are Coach Ray Holt and Team Purple Thunder members Caleb Lee, Cynahmon Lee, Marcus Brown, Tremaine Easterling, Hieu Dang, Alexis Drake, Hannah Love, Marquavious Sims, Whitney Schreiber, Alana Peden, and Mariah Duckworth. (Photo credit: Michelle Pesek)

On March 2nd, eleven students (Hieu Dang, Mariah Duckworth, Marquavious Sims, Alexis Drake, Caleb Lee, Whitney Schreiber, Hannah Love, Cynahmon Lee, Alana Peden, Marcus Brown, and Tremaine Easterling) from the Mount Olive Ministries Robotics Program (Team Purple Thunder) competed in the FIRST^® Tech Challenge hosted by the University of Mississippi’s Center for Math and Science Education.

Team Purple Thunder received 1^st Place in the Innovative Award (Best Robot Design), 2^nd in the Inspire Award (Overall), and ranked as a top three Finalists in the following categories: First Tech Challenge Design Award, the Motivate Award, and the Connect Award.  There are only two teams from Mississippi that will be competing against 100 teams in the World Robotic Competition which is to be held in St. Louis, MO on April 24 – 27, 2013.  The teams are Techno Warriors Advanced from Brandon, MS, and Mount Olive Ministries’ Team Purple Thunder.

Instructor/coach Ray Holt (a technology pioneer and computer scientist) states, “I am one very proud coach. I knew if they stayed with the program and worked hard, they could be in the top two.  These students represented Mount Olive, Magee, and Prentiss with honor and class.”

According to the robot builders (Caleb, Hieu, Marcus, and Tremaine), “We were confident in our robot to perform very well during competition.”  They added that after the report from the spy members (Hannah, Cynahmon, and Alexis), they knew their robot would out perform their opponents. The spy members were responsible for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents’ robots and report their findings to the team.  According to Whitney (team captain) and Marquavious, “the spy report reconfirmed that doing the best with what you have and taking advantage of the people around you make great things happen.”  When the robot drivers (Caleb, Hieu, and Mariah) saw the spy report, they put together an alliance game plan that led the team to St. Louis. If you would like to follow Team Purple Thunder during their competition, visit them at www.facebook.com/TeamPurpleThunder. You can also watch video at:  www.youtube.com/ftcteampurplethunder .

While Techno Warriors is sponsored by Nissan, Tony C. Duckworth (President/chief fundraiser of Mount Olive Ministries) is busy seeking sponsors for Team Purple Thunder.  “Mr. Holt kept telling me a few days before the event that the kids had a good chance to finish in the top two,” said Duckworth.  “When I saw the other 28 teams with major sponsors, I prayed and asked God to bless our team to perform to the best of their ability. Operating on a low budget can be stressful, but our students demonstrated they can compete against anyone anywhere at any time,” stated Duckworth.

According to Duckworth, “I am busy working to raised the $25,000 needed to ensure all fees, lodging, traveling, material, and additional equipment by April 2 to pay for the St. Louis trip.”  Duckworth is thankful for the support of Mississippi Hub, Real Foundation, and Brandon Petroleum Properties.  Special thanks to John Schreiber for underwriting the hotel cost, Walter Blain, Sr. for underwriting the food cost, and the parents for helping fundraise.

If you are interested in sponsoring Team Purple Thunder for the World Robotic Competition, please contact Tony C. Duckworth at 601.466.0600 or at tonycduckworth@bellsouth.net.  Sponsorship checks can be mailed to P.O. 875, Mt. Olive, MS  39119.  Checks should be made payable to Mount Olive Ministries.  Online support can be made at www.mtoliveministries.com.  All checks are tax deductible.

By:  Jan Timmins and Donna Gaines, Whitelaw Avenue Baptist Church, Wood River, Il.

Whitelaw Avenue Baptist Church mission team consisting of eleven members (8 adults and 3 teenagers) arrived in Mount Olive, Mississippi on June 16^th.  Our team came prepared to do tutoring, Vacation Bible School, and construct a kitchen at the Mount Olive Ministry Center (MOM). As the week progressed, we completed these projects and also received gracious hospitality and abundant blessings from Tony and Shannon Duckworth, the church, and the children.

During the morning hours, we tutored approximately 55 children ranging in age from 3 years to 8^th grade at the ministry center.  The children were divided by ages into 3-5year olds, k-1^st grade, 2^nd and 3^rd grade, and 4^th-8^th grade students.  Preschool students worked on colors, shapes, counting and letter recognition.  They also enjoyed playing games and moving to music. The older students rotated between the subject areas of math, English, and computer skills.  In math, the children were guided through a curriculum designed to evaluate any deficiencies and then provided instruction to fill those areas. The goal in English was to help with comprehension and to encourage lifelong readers. The older children were allowed to work on computers to build up science and math skills.

The afternoon was spent at the public school teaching a Vacation Bible School.  “Amazing Wonders Aviation” was the title of the Bible School and the children enjoyed learning about 6 different natural wonders created by God.  VBS started each day with an opening rally and then we divided into age groups for bible study.  Afterwards, the kids rotated between music, crafts, and recreation/snacks.

The third project of our mission trip was to remodel the kitchen of the ministry center.  Seven years ago the kitchen had been torn out to be remodeled but the project was never completed.  Our church provided the cabinets and countertops to complete the kitchen so that it could be used to provide food for children.  Several members of the team worked throughout the week to install all of the materials.  It was very exciting to see the work progress and come to completion.   The Saturday morning that our team was to leave the final project was revealed.  The team and the Duckworths were very excited to see the final results. We had a time of prayer and dedicated the kitchen to the Lord’s work as it is used to minister to the community.

The Mississippi hospitality and fellowship were definitely a highlight of our trip!  The catfish, ribs, fried chicken, salmon, rib eye steaks, and many other southern dishes were thoroughly enjoyed.  Church members and others provided many wonderful meals, and their kindness truly blessed us.  It was also a privilege to meet several of the supporters of this great ministry. Aunt Loretta showed us genuine hospitality as she opened her home to us and provided a wonder buffet full of amazing southern dishes and desserts.

Many times as plans are made for mission trips, there is an idea of “how can we serve and be a blessing to this ministry?” As usual, God’s plans are greater than our expectations. We found that we were the ones that received blessings beyond measure.  As one of our team members stated, “If I lived here, I would feel comfortable and welcome attending this church.”  God is doing great and mighty things through Mount Olive Ministry.  The 10 hour trip from Illinois to Mississippi was definitely worth the time because it was a life changing experience for the team.  We pray for continued financial support and future volunteers so that the center’s vision statement of “evangelizing, equipping and educating” the community may continue.

MOM’s Summer Enrichment Program provides tutoring and VBS for students “at risk” of academic failure and expand career options for students excelling in their education. Normally, the program is led by Tony and Shannon with the help of their children (Tony, Jr. and Mariah). Because funding is lacking, the enrollment was reduced from 125 to 50 students. The benefits of partnering with churches have led to providing much needed help to keep the program available, said Shannon Duckworth (Director of the Summer Enrichment Program). Mount Olive, a town of 965 people located in South Central Mississippi, is often referred to as “Mayberry” due to its peaceful tree-lined boulevard and congenial citizens.  However, among the teens of the community, it is often referred to as “a place with nothing to do” and a “dead end.”

According to Ryan Dean (Youth Pastor at Redeemer Church), “I like to go places that already have established ministry, where our group is not inventing ministry but joining with an existing effort. I do this because I want our work to be sustainable, which only happens—I think—when we are working with people on the ground that will have ongoing relationships with those to whom we are ministering. This is a primary reason why we came to Mt. Olive.”

“It is an honor for me to have these churches volunteering their time for 5 to 7 days each week,” said Tony C. Duckworth, Sr. (President of Mount Olive Ministries). “Many of the kids participating in the program are coming from surrounding town seeking a safe haven during the summer. There are many questions lingering that exposes a major breakdown when a child fails without having a learning disability or a behavior problem.”

“It became clear very quickly that kids that I worked with did not suffer from a lack of intelligence or capability– they were very bright! Rather, their biggest inhibitor was a lack of self confidence and self discipline. Phrases such as “I’m dumb,” “I can’t,” and “I don’t know” were spoken with a matter-of-factness that broke my heart. I found myself viewing my job as a tutor with increasing emphasis on encouraging them and proving to them that they could be successful at school work, rather than focusing on helping them to get correct answers. More than anything, these children need people to invest in them as individuals– to instill them with a sense of value,” states Erin Hoover (Youth Leader assistant and a student at Belhaven University).

According to AJ Arnold (Redeemer Team member), “It was a great experience working with the kids. The work at the ministry to me was not at all difficult.  Working with the kids and helping them learn was fun. Some examples are: playing math games, fun worksheets, or even a spelling bee. I would love to come back and work with Mount Olive Ministries anytime.”

“Bringing students, we intentionally chose small projects that would match their ability level. Our hope was to help and serve those truly in need…not to do for others what they could do for themselves. I sense that we accomplished that goal,” said Dean. “I am particularly struck by the dedication of the Duckworth family to their community (and it is significant that it is their community, having grown up in Mt. Olive). Rural communities suffer so often because gifted, dedicated native sons and daughters flee for the greener pastures of other cities. How noble that the Duckworth’s have been and are so committed to their “place!”

“May God bless these people!” states Hoover. “MOM is doing important work in the lives of these children–and they’re doing it with very few resources. MOM provides the kids in their program practice with academics during the school break, a safe place to play with friends, encouragement to praise the Lord in song and action, and a chance to interact with adults who can be role models for them. After seeing how they stretch a few books, worksheets, and pencils, I can only imagine how much they would appreciate enough books to go around, curriculum that was geared toward each age group, and additional supplies. MOM is a worthy organization to invest in because it invests so much in the community. I am in awe of what God is doing in Mount Olive through them.”

“I loved working with the kids. Some were more troubling than others, but they all gave me a hug goodbye so it was all worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed working there and would happily do it again,” said Emily Robertson (Redeemer Team member).

“My hope is that we have served not only the students, but also the Duckworth’s, that our being here this week has lightened their burden,” said Dean.

“As always on the last day for the volunteer groups, the kids get emotional to say their good-byes and wait patiently for next year with the hope of seeing them again. Most of the older teenagers exchange network communications (emails, facebook, and cell phone numbers) to maintain a mentoring relationship. The partnerships have become a win-win for our students. The student relationships have strengthened our kids’ attitude to pursue a college education. Shannon and I are thankful that Redeemer chose to volunteer their time to help us serve others,” said Duckworth, Sr.

The students competed in The University of Mississippi’s annual Engineering Design Competition for high-school students sponsored by the university’s School of Engineering, the Center for Mathematics and Science Education on February 24^th.

For two 17-year-old students (Hao Dang and Antawn Easterling) from Mount Olive Attendance Center, the event has already impacted their lives.  Easterling received notification on Monday March 26^th that he has been accepted into the University of Mississippi Engineering Program. He will be majoring in electrical engineering. He says being a part of the Mount Olive Ministries’ Robotic Program influenced his decision. Two weeks later, Dang was accepted into the University of Mississippi Engineering Program as well.  Toward the end of the Water Tower Competition, Scott Kilpatrick (Assistant Dean for Student Services, School of Engineering at The University of Mississippi) approached both Dang and Easterling about the opportunity of receiving scholarship funds for the Engineering Program.

Approximately 10 to 15 high school teams compete each year in the competition designed to help students understand how math and science correlates to real-world problems.

“We want to introduce some of the basic concepts of the engineering profession to high school students,” explained Kilpatrick. “Hopefully through this competition the students can gain more of a basic knowledge of what it is like to work on an engineering project and have fun working in a team environment.”

“It showed me how to come together and work as a team rather than on your own,” said Easterling.  “After returning from the competition, I encouraged other students to join the program,” said Dang.  “I really enjoyed experiencing what civil engineering is about.  It opened my eyes for what’s in store for my future.”

For 17-year-old Alana Peden, John O’Haver, professor of chemical engineering and the associate dean for academic and student affairs for The University of Mississippi, offered Peden a summer job with the university’s engineering department, which partners with Mount Olive Ministries’ Robotic Program.

Peden and her team members (Hannah Love and Antawn Easterling), won second and third place in the categories of performance and design, respectively.  “It was a difficult competition that required a lot of skills,” said Peden. “My teammates and I practiced and did studies with our instructors. While it was hard, I’m happy we placed.”  “My Robotics and tutoring instructor, Ray Holt, helped me with math and to prepare for the ACT test.  My math score increased from a C to an A and I have had the opportunities to be introduced to several colleges and college officials,” said Peden.

This was the first time for all participating students from Mount Olive Ministries to compete in a competition.  “I had a great time competing and next year we will win one of the overall awards,” said Love.

The second team (Mariah Duckworth, Hao Dang, Marquivous Sims and Hannah Dukette) also won first place in performance and third place in a challenge during the February competition.   “I am glad I did not drop the Robotic class now,” said Sims.  Two years ago, Sims did not see or understand the benefits of the program.  With two years before graduating, Sims and Duckworth are already position themselves for a college career.   “The competition exposed our strengths and weaknesses against other high school students,” said Duckworth.  “It has challenged me to become more of a problem solver which has benefited me in the classroom.  My grades for this upcoming progress report will be all A’s,” said Duckworth.  “I learned and found out a lot that I didn’t know before,” said Dukette.  “It was a good hand on experience to what engineering is really like.”

Their performances and work caught the eye of officials.

“It was apparent to me that the Mount Olive team had a strong commitment to this project.  The water tower structures that they created were very impressive. We could tell that they put hours of work into them.  We threw everything we had at their structures and they withstood the testing,” said Kilpatrick.

Their wins come on the heels of high ranks earned by the students only two months earlier during the Robotics Alliance of Mississippi State Robotics Competition held at Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Tony C. Duckworth, Sr. MOM president, is happy to see students taking advantage of the program. Students are also positioned for scholarship opportunities.

“They are excelling,” said Duckworth.  “In this particular competition, the students were up against other students who had been participating in this competition for five years.  To see them earn first, second, and third place rankings in various categories the first year for them to compete makes me anticipate their next competition.”

Retired engineer, Bill Blain, Sr. who founded The Blain Companies, is a volunteer instructor.  He met with the students once or twice a week for ten weeks helping the students prepare for the competition.

“It was a pretty good experience for everybody,” says Blain.  “The competition and the program helps give the students an understanding about what engineering is and what engineers do.”

Both teams broke the competition’s five-year record for their construction of a water tower that withstood adverse testing. Their structure also garnered them third place in strength and cost effectiveness.

The tournament will consist of a morning team project and team test followed by an afternoon team water tower design competition. The water tower portion requires team members to construct a water tower prior to the competition.

Water Tower Construction Project (Shake Table Challenge) – Each teams will design and construct a balsa wood prototype model of a Water Tower, at a feasible cost, that can support a minimum of 1 pound of water and withstand forces of simulated earthquakes.

The Water Tower Competition teams are part of the Mount Olive Robotics program started in August 2010. Currently, the program has 34 students from 3rd grade to 12th grade.

Coming within three points of taking second place, the Warriors competed against 46 teams for the top position.

Tony C. Duckworth, president of MOM, couldn’t be happier. It has only been a year and a half since Duckworth implemented a Rural Robotics Program (RRP) as a component of MOM. It is also the first time RRP students have entered a competition.

“I am so proud,” says Duckworth. “To see them compete for the first time and walk away with a first place award is phenomenal.”

The Warriors were the only competing team within a 50-mile radius of Hattiesburg.

Hannah Love, an eighth-grader at Mount Olive Attendance Center, Mt. Olive, Miss., was anxious about the competition. Competitors held low expectations of them she said.

“Everyone was telling us that as a first-year team, we would do bad and not place, but we did great,” said Love, 14.

Instructor Ray Holt said the team performed like old pros.

“As a first-year team, I can not imagine them having done better,” says Holt, adding that the teams’ Presentation Award was one of the most difficult for any team to earn due to its criteria.

The team won first place for presenting a food-thematic challenge and solution as a skit.  They ranked fifth place for their construction of a robot programmed to complete specifically designed tasks.

Warriors Jade Lee and Caleb Lee operated the teams’ robot, ToRay, a combination of the first names of Duckworth and Holt, in the competition.

“We practiced almost every day,” said Caleb. “We kept going over and over the mission tasks again and again trying to get it exactly right.”

The best friends’ practice paid off. They are also classmates at Magee Middle School.

“When we stepped up to the table and the timer went off, we were just a little nervous but ready to compete,” said Jade.

Parents and friends attended in support.

“I would not have missed this opportunity,” said Virginia Chase, an executive with the REAL Christian Foundation of Jackson.  “It is exciting to see how we are encouraging and helping educate students.”

Pam Jones, Jade’s grandmother, thinks area businesses should help fund the program.

Two semesters offered each year costs $91,000. Full implementation of the program would cost $217,000 for operational, instructional, equipment, materials, and supplies.

Students pay $150 per semester to help defray the cost of their robot, which can range from $279 to $1100, depending upon the students’ grade level. Duckworth raises as much as he can, even reaching out to out-of-state donors.  However, he has only been able to raise less than a fourth of the cost. Holt doubles his responsibilities as instructor to include tutoring.  Retired prominent businessman, Walter Blain, Sr., a 1961 civil engineering graduate of Louisiana State University, volunteers each week to help Holt lead the program.

“This is a program that opens new doors to learning,” said Jones. “It teaches students science and math skills without boring or intimidating them. I challenge businesses to help fund the program so that even more students can participate.”

Thus far, 42 students from Covington, Simpson and Rankin counties have enrolled in the RRP since its inception in August 2009.

“Charity starts at home,” said Jones.  “If we invest in them, they will reinvest in their community. With additional funding, more students could be led into engineering careers.”

Twenty students and growing each week are on a waiting list, however, their acceptance depends upon funding.

“The ultimate goal is to have a full operating program,” said Duckworth, touting its merits. “Robotics is not just about the competition itself but the knowledge required of the students to even compete to win. Students must have, increase, and utilize their math and science skills.  Robotics places a demand upon them to do so.”

Robotics piques the interest of students whose skills may not be strong in these subjects and inspires them to strengthen their skills in an exciting way.

Pashance Lee, Caleb’s older sister, admits she doesn’t like math, but because of her younger siblings’ involvement and observing the sportsmanship of the competition, she now wants to enroll.

“This is a hands-on activity,” said Pashance, 15.

“I don’t really like math but this appeal to me.  I believe that it can help me as it did my brother and sister and help me improve my grades.”

According to Holt, collectively after their first year, students increased their math scores 4.07 percent and science scores by 2.2 percent.  The top nine participants increased their overall grades by 5.9 percent and their math scores by 2.8 percent. High school students increased their math scores 5.57 percent and their science scores by 8.6 percent.

As part of the RRP, MOM conducts weekly math and science tutoring after school.  Students are also taken to tour college campuses and on educational field trips.

“This program could help make the difference for some students entering a major university or college,” says Jones.

Audarshia Flagg, Caleb’s mother, believes the Department of Education should incorporate robotics into the state’s curriculum.  Flagg recently ran unsuccessfully for superintendent of Simpson County School District.

“This is an awesome avenue through which students can pursue scholarships,” said Flagg. “It is something our children should be exposed to.”

Unfortunately, a lack of awareness and understanding of robotics has limited potential funding and enrollment says Holt.

Robotics is the study of programmable machines, such as in medical, manufacturing, submarine and aircraft equipment design and includes researching, building, programming and testing of machines.  Robotics differs slightly from engineering because it includes the study of all engineering fields.

“I didn’t even know what robotics was and that it was available, especially in our community,” said Misty Ferguson, of Magee. Her son, Jade, told her about MOM’s RRP after Caleb told him.

Duckworth adds that a lack of awareness makes school and community support non-existent.

“To see the convention center filled to capacity primarily with individuals from outside the Pine Belt indicates to me that while robotics is not unheard of, it is unheard of by many parents and students who could benefit,” said Duckworth.

The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) foundation conducts the robotics competition combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Student teams are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. Inventor Dean Kaman founded the international competition in 1989 in the United States.

Randall T. Hicks, MS FIRST LEGO League Operational Partner, said FIRST works to have a transformative effect on culture so that students who are science and technology “all-stars” are valued as much – or more – than those who participate in athletics or entertainment.

“All students who participate in the program are winners and champions. They are learning skills that will serve them well in an increasingly complex and challenging world,” said Hicks.

The Warriors achievement impressed Hicks.

“The Mt. Olive team had a superb showing to win a major award and also place fifth in the robot competition. This was obviously a very strong outing for a rookie team,” said Hicks.

Duckworth and the Warriors relish their achievement as they look forward to their next competition.

“I like what I have seen thus far,” says Duckworth who has already begun again fundraising for the next semester.  Their efforts to enhance students’ development have not been in vain.

“Their win is the sweet fruit of our labor,” said Duckworth.

At 65, the divorced father had raised three sons in California; Mark, Mike, & Brett.  Having been born and raised in Los Angeles he didn’t know much about the rest of the country.  His work took him to Silicon Valley (San Jose,CA) where he became a pioneer in the computer industry.  He’d also made quite a name for himself in the world of technology, having become recognized as the founding father of the world’s first microprocessor chip (a chip that places the central elements of a computer onto silicon chips.  The invention launched the digital revolution that now sells billions of units a year). As a volunteer he also founded and ran a youth-based non-profit organization called the Christian Athletic Association, Inc for 25 years that served over 10,000 youth in soccer, basketball, baseball and mission trips.

An article in The Wall Street Journal written September 22, 1998, also credits Holt for his pioneering work of a parallel multi-microprocessor chip set for the U.S. Navy’s F-14A “Tomcat” fighter jet which simultaneously calculated air speed, wing position and altitude.  On September 1, 2009 the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum magazine also recognized this work as one of the top 10 unique and innovative designs of the 20^th century making flying safer and easier.  Holt’s website is located at:  FirstMicroprocessor.com

Yet Holt still had the desire to do something else just as monumental – somewhere.

“Like many others, I want to be obedient to the Lord and make a difference in this world and have my time here on earth count for eternity,” says Holt.

Holt didn’t ponder long.  In the fall of 2009, he was offered the opportunity to help R.E.A.L. Christian Foundation of Richland, Miss. with ministry websites and then later he was offered a nine-month contract position in Mendenhall MS with The Mendenhall Ministries, setting up an Internet Café’, helping with networking ministry computers, and teaching science at the ministries Genesis One Christian School.  Since 1976 Holt would travel to Mississippi often to do missionary work, so he did have some familiarity with the Magnolia.

“When I received the offer from R.E.A.L. I came and checked things out,” says Holt.  “I drove around and met people and liked what I saw and heard. I saw where I could be of assistance. A month later I decided to move to Mississippi.  I had no idea it would turn into what we are doing now.”

Turns out, during Holt’s contract period, a mutual friend introduced Holt to Tony Duckworth, president of Mt. Olive Ministries (MOM).  The two immediately realized they were kindred spirits with the heart to serve others, particularly education and youth.

“I have always had a place in my heart for kids and quality education,” says Holt, “so any chance I get to teach them I jump at it. Kids today need skilled and quality teachers that are willing to sacrifice to make a difference.”

Holt and Duckworth quickly and easily formed a relationship based upon their common passion and interest.

As Holt listened to Duckworth talk about MOM’s goals and progress, he proposed to Duckworth to begin a Rural Robotics program. Robotics is the study of programmable machines, such as used in medical, manufacturing, submarines, cars or airplane, and includes researching, building, programming and testing of machines.  Robotics differs slightly from engineering because it includes the study of all engineering fields.

Holt was painfully aware of the state’s lagging educational statistics, which were significantly dismal in Mt.Olive.

“Well, it’s no secret where Mississippi education ranks nationally,” said Holt.  “I saw a man working hard to help students achieve more interest and higher grades in math and science and this program was one way to help.”

However, initially, Duckworth hesitated.

“I first had to ask Holt what robotics is,” says Duckworth.

“When I understood the level of math and science skills required to engage in robotics and saw the opportunity for growth and awareness, I was immediately interested in developing and offering the program to students.”

Together, the two developed the program and offered the first program last spring.  And the results of the partnership were phenomenal.  The 18 students enrolled in the course, collectively, increased their math scores 4.07 percent and science scores by 2.2 percent.  The top nine participants increased their overall grades by 5.9 percent and their math scores by 2.8 percent. High school students enrolled in robotics increased their math scores 5.57 percent and their science scores by 8.6 percent.

“I am very pleased with the results of the program, to say the least,” said Duckworth.

Parents of students enrolled in the program share Duckworth’s sentiments. Stacy Reeves is pleased that his 10-year-old son, Dylan, comes home ecstatic about physics, another subject matter associated with robotics.

“When you have a fourth grader coming home talking about physics and Venus and how far it is and the distance between planets, that’s just awesome,” says Reeves.

Dylan, says Holt is the best teacher ever.

“He gives me more education and lessons to help me during school,” says Dylan. “He is smart. He helps me when I don’t know something.”

There are approximately nine school -affiliated robotics clubs in Mississippi. MOM’s robotics is the only non-school affiliated program that provides year-long training classes on Saturdays.  MOM is currently enrolling students for the Fall 2011 robotics program.

Holt also assisted with MOM’s first annual Math Camp held last June.  The camp evolved as a result of the robotics program.

“Once students were participating in the program, we begin to see their need for math enhancement,” says Duckworth. “Because of our desire for the students to excel on all levels, we implemented the summer Math Camp and weekly tutoring classes.

Bill Blain, Sr. former president of The Blain Companies, is a volunteer math tutor at MOM.  Blain has spent several months working alongside Holt, getting to know him and the difference he is making at MOM and in Mt.Olive.

“We are very fortunate to have someone of his capacity here in our community,” said Blain. “Locally, we do not have anybody that has his skills and abilities.  He is a very sincere and caring person with a real and true interest in helping.  The work he is doing at Mt.Olive Ministries is certainly making a difference with the students.”

Duckworth is appreciative of the impact Holt is making with MOM, but says, in a sense, Holt has no business in a small town like Mt.Olive where the average income is $22,000 and the high school ranks #250 out of the state’s 251 high schools.

“I look at his educational background and know that he could be anywhere in the world making top dollars but he chooses to be in Mt. Olive volunteering his time to help MOM help students accomplish their spiritual and educational dreams,” said Duckworth.

Holt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electronic engineering from Cal Poly University, Pomona California and a Master of Science degree in computer science from Santa Clara University, Santa Clara,California.  He was the president of Cornerstone Business Services in California prior to moving to Mt. Olive.  His professional educational courses include “Distributed Learning Over the Internet,” “Developing Applications for Distribution Over the Internet,”  “Corporate Intranets: Uses and Configurations,” and “Internet Software Tools and Market.” Holt has also been featured in national trade publications and conferences.

Outside of teaching, Holt says his adjustment to rural living has been very minor.

“I have had minor cultural shock,” says Holt laughing. “I have had to get use to homes and stores being far away from each other, the food is different. The hot weather has been a challenge.

On the other side, the country is wonderful. I have lived in huge cities my entire life. While I am not missing that, I am getting use to not having convenience stores around the block. But all of this is minor. I get over it.”

Thus far, Holt has visited the Civil War Memorial Park in Vicksburg and looks forward to take his motor coach along the Gulf and the Mississippi River. His desire to see Mississippi’s parks and lakes is a sign he isn’t thinking of leaving.

“I am a registered native American Cherokee Indian and would like to spend some summer months back in Oklahoma researching my ancestors and their experiences.

“I’m 100 percent sure the Lord has brought me here and that I am in the right place,” says Holt. “I am not leaving unless He says to leave.   There is a job to do here.”

Each class is lectured on the design and function of the upcoming hands-on experiment.  Before the actual hands-on approach begins, each child must fully understand the importance of safety procedures in the laboratory.

When asked why safety is important, Joseph Crouse, age 11, of Brandon, MS, replied, “Following the rules protects everyone.  It keeps mistakes from happening.”

The first project was to build a solar-powered, model car built on wooden frames.  Through instruction from Mr. Ray Holt, each student gained an understanding of the effects of solar energy converted to electrical energy and ultimately transferred into mechanical energy.  Volunteers from the senior robotics class assisted the children in the construction of their cars.  Alana Peden, 16, and Antawn Easterling, 17, both of Mt. Olive shared their knowledge with the students.  A small motor with lead wires, wheels, and a solar panel were attached to the frame. The students performed several troubleshooting test phases before the final race.  Upon completion, the cars were judged for speed, appearance and functionality.

Caine Smith, age 9, of Magee, MS, stated, “I enjoyed gluing the wheels on my car.  My car will run super fast.  I’m expecting to win the race!”

The fastest solar powered car traveled a distance of 200 feet within 5.69 seconds.  The cars were also equipped with a battery component.  The fastest battery powered car traveled a distance of 200 feet      within 6.58 seconds.

The second project was to design and develop a bridge from toothpicks.  Mr. Billy Blain, Civil Engineer, along with Mr. Richard Dukette, Instructor of Mechanical Systems, explained the necessary theories in statics. First, each student evaluated the strength of the available materials.  The student then applied the knowledge taught in lecture to design a plan.  Drawings of the bridge design were submitted to the instructors for approval. Upon completion of construction, each student tested the strength of their bridge by applying hanging weights until the bridge failed.  The students produced bridges that held weights up to 41 pounds.

Points are earned for each completed project.  As a student reaches 1,000 points, they are eligible to join the competition club.  The competition club challenges each student.  The students learn how to build and program a robot.  The robot’s function is to complete specific obstacles in a set course.  The students learn valuable problem solving skills throughout this process.  Students compete in state and national competitions.  Scholarship money is available to the winners.

Kaitlynn Tuggle, age 13, from Mendenhall, MS, will compete in this year’s competition.

“My goal is to accomplish my project, win an award and most importantly, have fun,” says Kaitlynn.

The completion of the project produces feelings of accomplishment for each student.  Confidence is a key to success.  The volunteers and supporters of the Rural Robotics Program are providing an atmosphere of learning, teamwork and confidence for future leaders.