West Baltimore teacher wins engineering grant

BALTIMORE - A Baltimore City teacher's dedication and forward thinking paid off literally on Friday when he was presented with a $27,000 check in recognition of being chosen as one of the nation's most innovative educators in the 2012 ING Unsung Heroes awards program.

Harry Preston, a teacher at Edmondson-Westside School,  took first prize in the contest for his idea for a flight simulator program that will give his students the chance to participate in an ongoing design and advanced engineering project; experience a fully actuated flight simulation experience; and  help students who suffer from numerous learning, emotional and physical disabilities.

“It is an extreme honor that Mr. Preston is receiving this marvelous award,” said Karl E. Perry, principal at Edmondson-Westside High School. “We are elated to celebrate this accomplishment along with him as he represents the Edmondson-Westside High School family. This award will go a long way in allowing Mr. Preston to build the best engineering program in the country.”

With the funds from the grant, Preston will be able to buy items he needs to enhance the program such as a safety seat and clamps for persons with disabilities, a measurement device and software, and protective headwear, glasses and padding for students. The grant will also provide the opportunity for more students to participate in the program by allowing the device to be moved to different locations.