Nicholson Elementary students who brought home more than $130,000 worth of technology in a recent competition were recognized by members of the Picayune City Council.
During their recessed meeting Tuesday evening, the council recognized the group of sixth grade students for their hard work that won the school $130,000 worth of technology in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest.
Councilor Tammy Valente read a statement submitted by the school district that outlined the school’s path to winning the technology based competition. She said that the process began when Public Works Director Eric Morris requested a robot capable of visually analyzing city storm drains for blockages.
What the group came up with brought them to the state and finally the nationals. Out of 3,100 other schools nationwide, Nicholson Elementary was one of five to bring home a grand prize.
Valente said the group was featured on Fox News, and Nicholson Elementary teacher Maureen Pollitz gave each member of the council a copy of Fortune Magazine that also featured the achievement.
“These kids are going to go far,” Pollitz said.
Students in the group included Braxton Speights, Hope Dabrovolskis, Makayla Stewart, Blaine Chaisson, Hayden Walker, Heaven Whittington, Caden Westmoreland and Kaydee Hensiek.
In other business the council approved “assignment of a lease with the option to purchase from Shale Support Services LLC unto Shale Support Holdings, LLC.,” the agenda stated. Mayor Ed Pinero said matter was a formality in the renaming of the business known as the “sand plant” near the city’s Industrial Park.
A new zoning map was approved during Tuesday’s meeting.
The new zoning map was required to provide zoning ordinances to properties annexed by the city a few years ago, said Councilor Wayne Gouguet. When a property is annexed, it is automatically assigned as agricultural, which does not have the restrictions a residential property has, such as how many animals can be kept on the property, Gouguet said.
Planning and Zoning Director Dianne Miller said the public hearing for the new zoning map received a heavy response.
Prior to the meeting 412 notices were sent to property owners.
In other business the council:
— Accepted a donation of $500 from Marvin and Charlene Arnold to the city for use at Ben Taylor Park. The donation was made at the last meeting, but was on the agenda to ensure it was added to the city’s minutes.
— Accepted a donation from First Southern Bank to purchase benches for Cosby Commons Park.
— Proclaimed May 10-16 as Women’s Lung Health Week.
The next council meeting will be June 2 at 5 p.m. in the council chambers of City Hall.