By Ken Gaidziunas

Staff Writer

Melissa Middle School's lobby was crowded with student body representatives, teachers and school officials last Wednesday as Kevin J. Ramundo, Raytheon vice president of communications, presented a $2,500 check to the school for its Innovative Challenge of 2009 project.

The project, in which MMS students were asked to help a Texas-sized problem based on their ideas and suggestions, helped capture illegal drugs not only in Texas, but also in Canada, England and Scotland.

"We were very impressed with their innovative ideas," Ramundo said after presenting the check.

Melissa City Councilman William Farmer, a team leader at Raytheon who was instrumental in the award process, said MMS has been recognized by all the school districts in Canada, England and Scotland.

"This project will be eligible for an innovation award from the Municipal League of Texas -- the city will submit it," he added.