John Newton competes in Taiwan
Tech savvy

John Newton, son of Margaret and Jack Newton of Millen, participated in the International PowerTech competitions in Taipei, Taiwan in November. He is married to the former Teresa Jones and they have two sons, Joshua and Wesley.

PowerTech is a new program that the Valdosta Asian Cultural Association (VACA) was trying to bring to the United States. Teams of four students design, build and test mechanical robots that will race, pull and climb in a competition with other students around the world. The objective is to en- courage and develop scientific and technological creativity in students. Participants are required to record the problems and difficulties they encounter during the robot-making process by entering such data into a "creative process log."

Newton was sponsored by VACA and Georgia Power. During his stay in Taiwan, he visited National Taiwan Normal University and toured the Industrial and Technology Education programs. Most of his time was spent observing and working with the International PowerTech competitions to learn more about the event and gain more insight to share with students in the United States.

Newton also had the privilege to present awards and make brief comments during the awards ceremony where he received a USA PowerTech Chapter Flag presented by Dr. Jon-Chao Hong. Dr. Hong is a professor in the Departmnet of Industrial Education and the College of Technology at the university and chair for the Taiwan/ China Creativity Development Association which heads up PowerTech.

Mr. Newton was also able to visit many locations on the north end of the island, including the National Taiwan Science and Education Center, Fisherman's Wharf and many night markets throughout the area.

Beginning this year, a "PowerTech Youth Technology Creativity Contest" is planned in Valdosta. It is hoped the event will inspire middle school students' knowledge and creativity in technology and prepare them to meet global opportunities in the future. The winning team will have the opportunity to travel to Taiwan and compete at next year's International Competition.