Annual OTC Dinner benefits Houston school

For the fifth year in a row, OTC has selected one organization to receive proceeds raised by the dinner during which industry leaders gather to recognize achievements, network with colleagues, and raise money for a worthy cause. Energy Institute High School will receive nearly $250,000 in proceeds from the dinner to support its programs.

"Each year, the dinner donates the net proceeds to an organization that is in some way connected to the offshore energy industry or to the communities where we operate. Our aim is to make a difference in people's lives," says Kevin McEvoy, CEO of Oceaneering and Chair of 2015 Annual OTC Dinner Executive Advisory Board.

Past winners, and the recipients of proceeds totaling $925,000, were Medical Bridges, Offshore Energy Center, Engineers without Borders, and Gulf of Mexico Foundation.

"The Executive Advisory Board selected this year's charity because of its strong commitment to advance STEM education through hands-on, project-based learning with a specific focus on the energy industry," McEvoy continued.

Students at Energy Institute High School, a magnet school for students in grades 9-12, work within one of the three pathways-geosciences, energy alternatives, and offshore technology-with a core curriculum focused on STEM subjects.

All classrooms utilize technology which provides teachers with the instructional tools necessary to engage students in a hands-on, student-centered environment. By the time a student has completed the four-year program, he or she will have worked in 150 groups on 150 projects and completed 150 presentations.

"We are honored to be selected as the beneficiary of the 2015 Annual OTC Dinner. We are committed to bringing students a ground-breaking journey into the world of energy," said the school's principal, Lori Lambropoulos upon learning of the selection.

"It is through the contribution of corporations, like those involved with the Annual OTC Dinner, that the IPAA/PESA Energy Education Center is able to support the educational initiatives at the Energy Institute High School," said Galen Cobb, Chairman of the IPAA/PESA Petroleum Academy Advisory Board.

"The IPAA/PESA Energy Education Center and the Energy Institute High School are committed to bringing students an innovative and fresh look into the world of energy and developing the next generation of talented energy professionals. Starting a program such as this from scratch is a challenge. This award enables us to add to the program and continue the momentum," said Barry Russell, IPAA President & CEO.