POTSDAM -- Colton-Pierrepont Central School is the winner of the 2012 Helene Mellon Memorial SPIRIT Award, presented by the St. Lawrence County Information Technology Advisory Board.

CPCS was selected in recognition of their 2011-2012 laptop initiative, where they supplied Google Chromebooks to each 9th and 10th grade student in the district.

The initiative’s goal is to prepare students for life in a digital world. The initiative was been well received by parents, teachers and students alike. To support the initiative, the school supplied the computers and professional development to teachers.

Teachers are transitioning to electronic presentations for students.

The award, which honors local organizations that use technology to improve their operation or the operations of others, will be presented at the third annual North Country Technology Symposium and I.T. Expo on Wednesday, May 23 at Clarkson University.

At the expo, CPCS Superintendent Joseph Kardash and Microcomputer Coordinator Peter Edwards will join 30-plus presenters as they describe the initiative and demonstrate the laptops.

Additional topics to be covered at the symposium include cloud computing, mobile apps, Google ad words, free online tools, reducing paper costs, building a stronger web presence, and utilizing social media.

North Country Technology Symposium is a one-day information technology extravaganza offering valuable, “how-to” information for managers of business, education, agriculture, municipal, community service, and arts organizations.

People can register online at http://www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/NCTechSymposium/NCTSRegister.

For more information: www.stlawco.org/nctechsymposium.

If you or your organization is interested in sponsorship, exhibiting, and advertising, contact Laura Perry, laurap@slic.com, 265-4233.