A Memphis 6th grader returned to her former elementary school a hero last week, after having convinced Hewlett-Packard to donate 67 computers to her alma mater, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
As part of a persuasive writing assignment for her 5th grade class last year, Kristina White wrote to the executive vice president of HP’s $42 billion personal systems division, suggesting that HP could generate community support in Memphis by donating computers to her school, Sherwood Elementary.
HP responded in spades, donating 67 HP Thin Client computers to the school, along with sufficient electrical conduit to allow the school to rewire two classrooms and the school library.
The students haven’t taken HP’s generosity for granted. They’re using the donation to start a school-wide recycling project. They’ve been collecting boxes of office paper for recycling and tracking the data on their computers.
“What you notice is the enthusiasm and energy of the students,” said Brian Becker, head of HP’s education division.
When she asked whether or not she would be motivated by her accomplishments with HP, White replied, “I did once; I can do it again.”