Celebrating STEM at AHS

From kindergarten through graduation, Avon Schools offers an incredible array of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) opportunities for students.

At Avon High School, hundreds of students participate in a wide array of academic and extracurricular offerings through Project Lead The Way courses, Work-Based Learning opportunities, and Career & Technical Education programs. At their January meeting, the Avon Board of School Trustees enjoyed a presentation highlighting various aspects of this work.

Director of Teaching & Learning Dr. Dustin LeMay kicked off the presentation with a brief explanation of how Avon has strategically structured programs to progressively expose, engage, and equip Avon students with real-world STEM and professional experiences. 

Project Lead The Way

Project Lead The Way Biomed Teacher Jessica Belton talked about the four innovative courses she teaches and commented about how graduates who pursue careers in biomedicine frequently contact her to share how their courses give them a massive advantage over their peers. To illustrate the point, Cassidy McAfee, member of the AHS class of '18, joined Mrs. Belton and shared with the Board about her undergraduate experience and how well-prepared she was to pursue her career in the medical field because of her time at AHS.

Work-Based Learning

Currently, more than 80 AHS seniors leave school each week to participate in work-based learning experiences — internships — with local businesses and nonprofits. AHS Teacher Adam Clark explained how, from Hendricks Regional Health to Hope Healthcare, and from the Avon Wedding Barn to Sheltering Wings, students are getting valuable real-world experiences that prepare them for life beyond the four walls of AHS. 

Career & Technical Education

Last — but not least — Career & Technical Education Teacher and Robotics Club Coordinator Chris Hill shared with the Board about the myriad opportunities that exist for students who want to explore careers in engineering and technology. Student Stephen Onochie talked about his role as programmer on the Roborioles. One of Mr. Hill's 13 volunteers who lend their expertise to the Career & Technical Education program, Doug James, spoke about his engineering career at Lilly and his role in developing critical skills in AHS students. According to Mr. Hill, approximately 80% of his students are pursuing careers in STEM-related fields.