Wednesday night Fernwood and Alder girls got together for an epic night of STEAM, Self Esteem, friendship, food, raffles, and fun! Students began the night using their imagination and collaboration to build and create in our makerspace. Then, they participated in two STEAM sessions like Graphic and Website Design, Robotics, eSports, Inventing with Code and littleBits, Aviation, Environmental Science, and STEAM Bird Feeder Engineering. Their third session was on Self Esteem learning about self confidence, healthy cooking/eating, and art and music therapy. Not only were we very fortunate to have a number of Fernwood and EHTHS staff be presenters, but we also had presenters from ACUA, FAA, Civil Air Patrol, chef/owner of Eat Clean Organization, and local author Krystle Bailey join us. Parents even joined in on the fun and were able to attend their own sessions on engineering careers led by 2 full time female engineers, paving the pathway to STEM fields in college led by Claudine Keenan (Dean of Education at Stockton University), and current STEAM offerings at EHTHS led by our very own Dr. Carmelita Graham (Director of Vocational Education and Career and Technical Education). Students, parents, staff, and presenters ended the night altogether enjoying snacks and drinks, thanks to Dr. Carmelita Graham and Parents Club, as well as the most delicious desserts donated by Mrs. Dotty Martinelli. We also were able to raffle off some amazing prizes donated by AK Fitness, Dunkin Donuts, Five Below, and Wawa! Adults were also treated to complementary stretching and massages from Optimal Health. It was an incredible night and already can't wait for next year's event! Encourage your girls to follow their passions, try something new, take risks, and be proud of who they are as we work together to bridge the gender gap in STEAM and build confident girls!
