On Saturday April 25, the College of Science and the South Bend Alumni Association will host the 2nd annual Ace for Science tennis tournament at Notre Dame's Eck Tennis Pavilion. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to join the three-flight doubles tournament raising money for K-12 science programs in the South Bend Community School Corporation.
Last year, 19 teams competed in the tournament and raised $8,000. The event organizers hope to raise $16,000 this year, double the amount raised last year, to meet the schools’ needs. Seven community schools benefited from last year's event and used their resources for a variety of projects. Warren Primary School created a Lego Robotics program, a Science Discovery area, and a STEM Exploration and Wonder Station.
“With the grant funds, I was able to purchase many different kinds of materials to enhance our science learning station. This area is used for exploring, discovering, investigating, researching, and building projects. The children are learning about the ‘wow’ and the ‘why’ things happen. This area has inspired the children to foster their own innate need to wonder, ask questions, and learn,” said Amy Troyer, Kindergarten Teacher at Warren PC.
Other projects at local schools included a hydroponics lab at Nuner Primary School, a school-wide science fair at Clay Intermediate, and the purchase of biochemistry and rocketry materials for Rise Up Academy.
Lunch will be provided for all participants at Ace for Science and the winners of each flight will receive a trophy. There will also be a silent auction and the opportunity to “Challenge the Pros” in which doubles teams can challenge tennis pros from the South Bend Racquet Club. “Challenge the Pros” is a one game contest. If the challengers win, they will receive a year’s free membership to the South Bend Racquet Club or a gift certificate to the club's pro shop.
Entry fees are $50 per player ($20 for students). To join, contact Margaret Dobrowolska (mdobrowo@nd.edu) or Kathy Peterson at (peterson@nd.edu).
Originally published by at publicaffairs.nd.edu on April 15, 2015.