BlairConnect
About Us
BlairConnect is an organization dedicated to bringing a computer into the home of every student. The computers that we receive are taken and reconfigured with freeware allowing students and their families to use them for a variety of useful activities including writing assignments, drill and practice, learning to keyboard, and using Blair online services and the World Wide Web.
Staff
The primary members of BlairConnect’s staff are, in order of seniority:
- Anne Wisniewski (Wiz): Co-Founder, Director (MBHS Staff)
- Jesse Kovach: Co-Founder, Chief Technical Consultant (Volunteer & MBHS Graduate, Class of ’00)
- John White: Chief Engineer in Charge of Refurbishment, Head of Engineer Training (Volunteer)
- Seth Reeker: Technical Consultant (Volunteer & MBHS Graduate, Class of ’08)
- Kevin Voellmer: Technical Consultant(MBHS Student)
- Benjamin Kennet: Technical Consultant(MBHS Student)
- Egan Jackson: Technical Consultant(MBHS Student)
- William Blattner: Technical Consultant(MBHS Student)
- Jeremy Potterfield: Technical Consultant(MBHS Student)
- Evans Kakpovi: Technical Consultant(MBHS Student)
A Little History
Since 1999, Montgomery Blair High School has been refurbishing surplus computers to give to students without computers at home. We call this program BlairConnect. Iis a group effort of students, staff, alumni and community or parent volunteers of Montgomery Blair High School, the largest and most diverse high school in Montgomery County. We want to make a difference by helping bridge the digital divide for our large population of immigrants and low-income families, and this service provides them with an opportunity to learn about computers and have access to the Internet. Another Blair organization, BlazerNet, provides our students with free internet access.
In allowing student access to the school’s BEN site, Blair students are able to see their homework in each of their classes, communicate with their peers, download course material, and discuss topics relating to their classes with fellow students. BEN is a very important part of Montgomery Blair High School, and these computers allow students to benefit from it. BEN also provides parents with the opportunity to see their students assignments and help monitor homework.
Over the years we have been blessed with many supporters. The Marriott Corporation has partnered with us providing used computers and other equipment to the giveaway project. AOL has donated money and accounts to further our effort. The PTSA and the SGA at Blair also make funds available annually to sponser this project. John White, a retired engineer from the Blair community has spent many hours working on computers and teaching students the intricacies of this task. Jesse Kovach ’00 has donated countless hours to creating and supporting BlairConnect. Aaron Johnson ’04 ran the program during his time at Blair. Seth Reeker ’08 is our current student administrator. Several current students and many alumni have selflessly given many hours to the various aspects of BlairConnect.