Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence
This school year, we celebrated the success of the Fly Like a Girl (F.L.A.G.) Drone Academy, a program inspiring young women to explore careers in drone aviation. Our three districts provided hands-on training to high school female students, enabling them to earn FAA drone pilot certifications—a credential that unlocks opportunities in industries like engineering, filmmaking, and public safety.
The program is more than technical training; it’s about breaking barriers and building confidence. Through mentorship and real-world applications, students develop problem-solving skills and discover how drone technology can make a difference, from disaster response to environmental conservation. Seeing these students take flight (literally and figuratively) is a reminder of the impact of inclusive, innovative education.
—Kristin Deichler, assistant superintendent, South Fayette Township School District, McDonald, Pennsylvania
Student-Led Projects Spark Scientific Discovery
This year, one of our biggest wins has been the engagement and growth sparked by an interdisciplinary curriculum tailored to our students’ unique needs and interests.
For example, our science lessons on bird migration evolved into dynamic, student-led projects where teens explored ecological challenges and developed creative presentations. We then shifted to exploring the science of wildfires, connecting current events like the California fires to historical lessons such as the Great Chicago Fire. These lessons fostered critical thinking, artistic expression, and real-world connections. What stands out most is how students who initially resisted participation now eagerly collaborate on tasks like storyboarding their research or using graphic organizers to plan presentations. Students who once struggled to engage now take pride in their work, demonstrating resilience and creativity every step of the way. It’s proof that with the right support, even the most unconventional settings can be fertile ground for academic and personal growth.
—Tamar Brown, virtual instructor, Menta Academy Oak Park, Oak Park, Illinois
Collaborating for Community Stewardship
Dozens of students and teachers at Ryan Gloyer Middle School got their hands dirty this November, as they set off to beautify Cranberry Township through their second annual Tree Planting Blitz and Leaf Collection field trip. This collaborative effort highlighted the strength of community partnerships in making a positive impact.
Over 150 trees were planted across Cranberry Township neighborhoods, and the initiative also extended beyond environmental stewardship, as students visited nearly 50 senior citizens’ homes, raking leaves and assisting residents.
This day of service not only transformed the community, but also fostered a spirit of teamwork, mentorship, and gratitude among students, school administrators, and special guests. As part of this ongoing “Community Grown” initiative, the project exemplifies how the school empowers its students to give back to the communities that support their education, creating a legacy of service and connection.
—Tracy Vitale, superintendent of schools, Seneca Valley School District, Harmony, Pennsylvania
