Released on = April 26, 2007, 5:11 am

Press Release Author = Sally Ride Science

Industry = Education

Press Release Summary = The Road Runners team from Brighton, Mich. was awarded the
grand prize for "Bop the Bird!," a high tech hopscotch game that does more than keep
players feet moving. The game, which beeps, lights up and even records actions on an
electronic scoreboard, has players hopping, hitting and having a great time. Each
team member received a medal, a trophy and an invitation to Space Camp with
activities including simulated space shuttle missions, training simulators, and
talks on space exploration.

Press Release Body =
Brighton, MI. (April 23, 2007) - Meghan Cleary, Anna Kelly, Natalie Sanders, and
Kelly Redmond, known collectively as The Road Runners showcased their original toy
design at the TOYchallengeT 2007 Nationals at the San Diego Air & Space Museum,
Balboa Park on April 21-22. The team, led by Pat Redmond, is one of hundreds of
teams of students from across the country that participated in TOYchallenge, a
fun-fueled toy- and game-design competition intended to motivate middle school-age
kids, especially girls, to pursue their interests in science and engineering
education and careers.

The Road Runners team from Brighton, Mich. was awarded the grand prize for "Bop the
Bird!," a high tech hopscotch game that does more than keep players feet moving. The
game, which beeps, lights up and even records actions on an electronic scoreboard,
has players hopping, hitting and having a great time. Each team member received a
medal, a trophy and an invitation to Space Camp with activities including simulated
space shuttle missions, training simulators, and talks on space exploration.

Category prize winning teams were also chosen with each member receiving a
certificate, medal, a VEX robot, a Ward'sT Natural Science Kit and a Thames &
Kosmos® Kit. Each team also took home a trophy. Winners included: Games for the
Family - The Ultimates of Westport, Conn. for "School Survivor"; Get Out and Play -
Whatchamacallit of Springfield, Va. for "The Extreme Swing"; and Toys That Teach -
TOYologists of Irvine, Calif. for "TOY University."

Special awards were also presented for Team Spirit, Originality, Engineering,
Design, Most Educational, Inspirational, Presentation, Skill Development and Best
Adaptability for Groups with Special Needs. All teams received certificates of
participation.

For the competition's Preliminary Round, teams comprised of at least 50 percent
girls submitted written descriptions and visual presentations of their original toy
or game concepts based on themed categories including Games for the Family, Get Out
and Play, and Toys that Teach. 150 Preliminary Round finalists were invited to
advance to the Nationals. The submissions were judged on originality, creativity,
feasibility, design process description, team participation and clarity of
communication.

TOYchallenge (www.TOYchallenge.com) is designed to engage middle school-age
students, especially girls, in science and engineering and to inspire them to pursue
careers in those fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprise
only 13 percent of the engineering workforce. However, studies show that, in
elementary school, equal numbers of girls and boys are interested in--and good
at--math, science and technology. Unfortunately, beginning around the sixth grade,
more girls tend to drift away from these subjects than boys. While open to all fifth
through eighth graders in the U.S., TOYchallenge focuses on catching girls'
attention in these subjects in order to keep them in the engineering "pipeline."
TOYchallenge is created and run by Sally Ride Science. Northrop Grumman is the
presenting sponsor. Southwest Airlines is the official airline of TOYchallenge.

Sally Ride Science
Sally Ride ScienceT was founded by astronaut Sally Ride to support the large numbers
of girls who are, or might become, interested in science, math and technology. The
company creates innovative science experiences for girls that empower them, engage
them, and encourage their interests. Current programs include Sally Ride Science
Festivals, TOYchallengeTM, Sally Ride Science Camps, and Sally Ride
Science-After-school clubs. Current publications include a science careers book
series, a space book series, a science newsletter, and other science materials. To
learn more about Sally Ride Science, visit www.SallyRideScience.com or call
800.561.5161.

Team Members:

Meghan Cleary
Howell, MI
St. Joseph Middle School
Grade 7
Parents: Cheryl and John Cleary


Anna Kelly
Howell, MI
St. Joseph Middle School
Grade 7
Parents: Sharon and Bruce Kelly

Natalie Sanders
Brighton, MI
St. Patrick Middle School
Grade 7
Parents : Victoria and Eric Sanders

Kelly Redmond
Brighton, MI
St. Patrick Middle School
Grade 7
Parents : Patty and Steve Redmond



###

CONTACTS
The Roadrunners: Patty Redmond, (810) 533 5017 , redmondsp@sbcglobal.net
Sally Ride Science: Toni DiMartino, (212) 947-8845, tonidimartino@hotmail.com



Web Site = http://www.ToyChallenge.com

Contact Details = Pat Redmond
3800 W. Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48855
810 533 5017