Grand Prize Winner

WINNER
Sports & Games

Jeannine Johnson
Puyallup, Washington

 Watch the Video  (300 Kbps)

Sheer determination has fueled 15-year old Jeannine Johnson’s passion for drag racing, and helped propel her to great success within her sport; she is one of only four NHRA Junior Drag Racers to ever achieve a ‘perfect package’ during a race (a feat that requires impeccable speed and timing). Jeannine relies on Windows-based technology to help monitor her car’s performance and keep it running flawlessly, using technology such as Crew Chief Pro software to ensure she’s on top of the latest conditions affecting her car. Jeannine connects her Windows-based PC to her car’s Data Acquisition System, which measures engine RPM, jack shaft speed, and motor temperature variances from start-to-finish during each race.


Jeannine relies on Windows-based technology off the track, too. Among other things, she’s used Microsoft Windows Movie Maker to create a film about her drag racing adventures, and uses Microsoft Office Word and Microsoft Office PowerPoint to help maintain a 3.8 GPA and retain her racing sponsorships.


Despite physical hardships stemming from being born just 1 pound 10 ounces, preventing Jeannine from participating in traditional sports, she has found her niche in drag racing, where her 4’11” frame and love for speed have helped her excel and succeed.


"Without these Windows technologies, my capabilities would be limited, not only academically but also in my hobby and love of racing."


Honorable Mentions

Microsoft Windows rescues Grand County youth from the dark sideMicrosoft Windows rescues Grand County youth from the dark side

Mitch Miller
Kremmling, Colorado
A group of young adults in a small town in the Rocky Mountains beat Friday-night boredom by gathering to play games, such as Unreal Tournament 2004 and Battlefield 2, on their Windows-based PCs. The group’s weekly meetings, or Friday Night Frag Fest, offer fun and constructive ways for the community’s youth to spend their weekends.

Sports collectibles passion inspired an entrepreneurial ventureSports collectibles passion inspired an entrepreneurial venture

Adam McFarland
West Haven, Connecticut
Adam McFarland’s interest in sports collectibles is rooted in his life-long love for sports. He started collecting figures and baseball cards as a child, and once he was in college, McFarland decided that he’d start an online business. He launched SportsLizard.com, a sports collectibles marketplace. Using Microsoft Office programs, SportsLizard.com has become much more than just a marketplace; McFarland offers a monthly newsletter that he creates using Microsoft Office Publisher, provides industry-related articles written in Microsoft Office Word, and responds to customers efficiently using Microsoft Office Outlook.

Bytes and basketball: Technology helps a junior high school teamBytes and basketball: Technology helps a junior high school team

Eric Langhorst
Liberty, Missouri
Eric Langhorst found ways to combine his passions for coaching a boys' basketball team and using computers. He relies on Microsoft Office Outlook to keep in touch with parents, Word to create game schedules, and at the end of the season he uses Windows Movie Maker to create a highlights video.