Students plug in at Maverick STEM Fest

Senior student Taylor Mouery showcased her engineering project, a go-kart at Maverick STEM Fest on April 23.

Jimmy Haugh and Yannick Francioli ran the UTA Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center booth at Maverick STEM Fest on April 23.

Previous Next

Members of the school district, from kindergarten through 12th grade, were invited to participate in the evening, showcasing middle and high school CTE programming opportunities, local businesses, higher education partners, and a senior engineering project showcase. Students like Taylor Mouery, who built a go-kart from the ground up, were able to display their hard work. She explained the project took “patient, tedious work” to complete and emphasized that her creation demonstrated “pure mechanical engineering,” which helped her learn the simple process that builds larger skills later in life.

Each booth opportunity allows students of any age to get plugged in. 

“STEM nights matter because they do something that school day instruction can't do — they make learning visible, interactive, [and] connected to real life,” said Director of Advanced Academics and CTE Angie Wilkinson. They give “kids exposure to different technology, different programs, different career possibilities, [and provide networking opportunities],” in hopes students will begin to see themselves in similar career roles. 

The event not only provides opportunities for students, but it also strengthens partnerships with local businesses and higher education. “We want to partner with [them] because that synergy is important to giving our students exceptional experiences” – creating a beneficial experience for all who participate.  

This year was the first for STEM Fest, but it will be recurring to ensure Aledo’s all-inclusive learning goal: “we ensure that every Bearcat discovers their unique path and thrives in an environment where being All in Aledo is more than a commitment,” said the Aledo ISD website. “In the district, there are a lot of events that showcase [groups like] athletics and fine arts, and we wanted something that was also showcasing academics and academic programming because for some kids that's their interest,” said Wilkinson. 

STEM experiences for students run firm at AHS, and events like Maverick STEM Fest create a place where more people can find their school and career path that best suits them. It’s more than a showcase for some – it gives a glimpse into a future where they can continue to explore and create.