To honor him, the Montgomery County Council gave him a proclamation to recognize his extraordinary achievement. Councilmembers Tom Hucker, Nancy Floreen, and Craig Rice are pictured with Andrew as he receives his award. Andrew decided to have some fun and formed a circle with his fingers as he holds the award. When I asked him if this was done on purpose he replied with “the finger placement was intentional 😊.” More on that in a bit.
Andrew’s winning project was about designing a protocol to secure long, complex auctions that take place online. This provides security from malicious third parties and also prevents bidders from cheating auctioneer and vice versa. This field of study is known as cryptographic auctions.
He began working on his project last February, worked on it full-time over the summer, and continued working on it into the fall before winning the scholarship in December. He is still working on the project.
Andrew didn’t expect to win. He was surprised when his name was called and he was announced as the winner of the scholarship. He’s still undecided about where he wants to go to college and what he wants to do for a living, but he’s leaning towards pursuing a degree in computer science and/or economics.
Back to the finger placement. The Circle Game is something that has been played in Montgomery County (and many other places, I’m sure) for decades. It’s a game of peripheral vision, trickery, and motor skills. The goal is to trick another person into looking at your hand as you make the “perfect” hand signal (👌🏼). I didn’t know the name for this game until I did some research earlier today.
The rules vary depending on where and who you play with, but they usually consist of having to place your hand below the waist and getting someone to look at it, which Andrew was successful in doing.
Andrew told me he initially planned on doing this during his Siemens photos, but forgot to because he was shocked that he won. He says that this was him making up for that one and that his only worry was that the photographer would notice and tell him to stop.
The photographer didn’t notice and Andrew has pulled off one of the most successful Circle Game victories in MoCo history.
Congratulations to Andrew on winning the scholarship with his hard work.
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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
