Grace Seniors Present their projects
One of the requirements for graduation in Idaho is the completion of a senior project. The state requires 20 hours of work on the project, but Grace High School is one of those that requires even more of their students.
Bob Monk and Cort Spencer
Last week, we told you about Tessica Jorgensen’s project to revitalize the outdoor volleyball court at the City Park. Later in the week, I was able to sit in on some of the presentations that took place at the school. While I was only able to attend a somewhat random sampling of the projects presented, the initiative and talent on display was impressive.
The senior projects were overseen by Becky Jorgensen, and were supported by many faculty members and people from the community.
Each project required a mentor, who provided many hours of feedback and oversight to the students. Depending on the specifics of the project, the exact involvement of the mentor varied wildly. The presentations themselves were judged by a panel composed of the mentor, a faculty member, and a member of the community. Presentations were graded on a specific rubric, including timing, detail, engagement, and other public speaking necessities.
Here are a few examples of the kinds of projects undertaken for Grace’s seniors:
Kathleen Campbell and Kallie Stoddard
Kallie Stoddard, who was mentored by Kathleen Campbell, learned to play the cello. Stoddard was already familiar with playing other musical instruments, but wanted to challenge herself by picking up something she had no experience with and adding to her repertoire. Campbell, who is a musician and teacher by trade, was impressed by Kallie’s ability to learn quickly, and her dedication to practice.
Alayna Smith was mentored by tailor Rick Switzer, and worked to learn a number of sewing techniques. She created a number of items, including a skirt and placemats that she brought in to show to the judges.
Maycen Collins was mentored by Nate Warnes, and worked at getting his CDL. He learned the essentials of pursuing a career in commercial trucking, which is something that he is very much interested in.
Axel Hubbard was mentored by Wes Lunt, and worked to build a greenhouse that now sits to the south of the school building. The greenhouse will be used in conjunction with Ag classes, some of which are taught by another Hubbard, Eli. The time spent with his father on the project was its own reward, one imagines!
Brad Schiele
Brad Schiele was mentored by Debra Smith, and had the most visually striking presetation of the day with his oversized Snorlax backpack. Snorlax is a Pokemon, of course. Community judge Beth Washburn happens to be a neighbor, which was fun.
Cort Spencer presented on his experience with Search and Rescue. Under the direction of Mentor Bob Monk. Spencer attended at least one winter rescue, where a family had become stuck in the snow on their sleds, and needed SAR’s assistance with the retrieval of themselves and their vehicles from the area. The rescue went into the early morning.
In each case, the students introduced their projects, presented the basics of the field it related to, walked the judges through the process they had undertaken, and answered questions. In each case I was able to attend the students were very sharp, clear, and prepared. The presentations were entertainingly done, and showed clear thought and focus. Congratulations to Grace’s seniors on their solid work and deserved rewards.
Axel Hubbard
In addition to the students I was able to see, presentations ran throughout the day, and covered a wide range of projects. Other presenters included: Jaycie Smith, Case Williams, Korbin Smith, Sky Cloud, Parker Yost, Skout Hardy, Mac Burrell, Cooper Anderson, Jonah Wilkerson, Gentrie Carpenter, AJ Mejia, Kallie Hulse, Chase Smith, Wilson Robbins, Bodee Smith, Colt Coleman, Bella Zulu, Adi Rasmussen, Bailey Mickelson, Carter Robinson, Hailey Hall, Bryant Moss, Colten Anderson, Jax Corbett, Josie Johnson, Gavin Draper, Hayden Ball, Kirynn Crosbie, and Ashley King.
Maycen Collins
