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3Com Corporation, an innovative Internet access and networking company, helps people make connections all the time. But 3Com is working with the Museum to make some very special connections — helping children connect with their heroes. Together, 3Com and the Museum invited school children, grades 4-12, to participate in an essay contest entitled, “Connecting Heroes.” Each participant submitted one essay describing his or her hero, explaining how he or she connects with this person in daily life. The contest was designed to help students examine the qualities that make a person inspiring and discover ways in which the Internet can bring them closer to their real-life heroes. This dynamic program began in April, with 3Com’s sponsorship of Winds of Change: Africa, America and the Sea, an exhibit within the Museum’s Black Creativity program. The exhibit explores the science of navigation, shows how the wind affected trade and culture between Africa and the Americas, describes the achievements and influence of African and African American sailors and identifies various maritime-related careers. As part of this exhibit (which continues through Labor Day), 3Com created an Internet connection that enabled students to communicate with real-life hero Captain Bill Pinkney on his historic journey to retrace the Middle Passage route — the course that brought Africans to the Americas. Pinkney, a Chicago resident, is the first African American sailor to complete a solo expedition around the globe. “Through the example of Captain Pinkney and his awe-inspiring voyage” said Neil Clemmons, vice president of consumer marketing for 3Com, “students learn that dreams can become reality and that they can connect with today’s heroes through the Internet anytime, anywhere.” One grand-prize winner and five honorable mention winners were selected from each of three grade age categories: grades 4-6, grades 7-8 and grades 9-12. Each grand prize winner received a home computer system complete with 3Com personal Internet access products. Each honorable mention winner received a Targus backpack from 3Com Corporation. Submissions were judged according to originality and creativity, organization and clarity, spelling and grammar, and neatness. Winning entries will be posted on the 3Com “Connecting Heroes,” website and also may be posted onsite at the Museum. For more information about the contest, and about Captain Pinkney, please visit the “Connecting Heroes” website at www.connectingheroes.com. |