Another "What would you do"

[Steven_S_Prevette@rl.gov]

This discussion brings to mind a dilemma I currently face as the chairman of
the local American Society for Quality section.  Historically, the section
has cooperated with the local AQP (Association for Quality and
Participation) chapter to offer a $1,000 scholarship for the best essay of a
High School student on quality.  

This year's winner had a very good essay, I published it in the local ASQ
newsletter, and it has been picked up by ASQ national in their "Koality Kid"
program for publishing.  I am happy for the author (Bethany Samuelson).  We
paid for her dinner and her parents at an ASQ/AQP dinner meeting and she
presented the essay.

Let us assume that the judging is fair (I have no reason to question it),
and ASQ and AQP do want to put up $1,000 each year to help with scholarship.
And let us assume I should not derail this effort.

I am considering some options:
	1.  Publish all essays in the ASQ section newsletter that are
determined to at least be interesting to read.  I am always short newsletter
material anyway.
	2.  Invite all contributors of essays to the dinner meeting, and pay
for their dinners and their parents.  I would think it best to announce the
"winner" prior to the dinner so as to make it less of a pressure situation,
and more of a celebration.  This would at least provide recognition to all
that participated.  By the way, we get anywhere from 1 to 6 contributors
each year.

I don't think splitting the pot of money among all contributors is viable -
even if we simply treat it as a lottery at least the $1,000 is a reasonable
drop in the bucket on college tuition.

Steve Prevette
Site Technical Authority for Statistical Trending
Environment, Safety and Health
Fluor Hanford, A Fluor Global Services Company
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer
steven_s_prevette@rl.gov
509-373-9371