When she entered Staples High School 2 years ago as a sophomore, after 6 years in Europe, Kylie Kirkham was overwhelmed with choices.
What courses to take? What clubs to get involved with? How could she choose, and who could help her make those decisions?
She settled on Chemistry as one option, and realized she liked science. She volunteered in the Norwalk Hospital discharge lounge, and took the rigorous Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service course. She hopes to pursue a pre-med track in college.
Staples High School science options. Electives include astronomy, biotechnology, 3D engineering, environmental science, animal behavior, horticulture, marine biology, aerospace, science research and much more.
Kylie does not have a lot of spare time. But she wanted to pay what she learned forward, to help younger students make sense of the sometimes overwhelming array of Staples requirements, prerequisites — and wonderful possibilities.
She formed a club called SciMentors. The goal was to help middle school students understand what their high school science future could look like.
The other day her club held their first SPRKS fair, at Bedford Middle School.
The acronym means Students Pursuing Real-world Knowledge of Science. It was interactive, engaging, and a great success.
Leearning about blood pressure, at the SciMentors event.
Nearly 3 dozen youngsters, and their parents, learned about Staples science — and built connections with students in those courses.
Club members created displays, showing off different areas of science. Some offered activities; others performed experiments, had trivia games, or demonstrated equipment.
One exhibit at the SPRKS fair.
Then came speakers. Staples biology and forensics teacher Heather Wirkus talked about course selection and research opportunities. Westport Volunteer EMS president Michael Burns related his experiences.
Nurse Cristin Ronca discussed work/life balance.
A panel of Staples students then answered questions.
Kylie was excited to see students taking writing in notebooks her club had created, and paid for through fundraising.
And everyone enjoyed treats, courtesy of Popup Bagels.
Participants at the SPRKS fair (from left): Isla Goldberg, SciMentors vice president; Heather Wikus, Staples science teacher; Kylie Kirkham, founder and president); Sophie Statkiewicz, vice president; Michael Burns, WVEMS president; Cristin Ronca, nurse.
Kylie will graduate next year. But she wants SciMentors to continue for years. She is now mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Soon, she hopes, some of the students who were at this year’s inaugural SPRKS fair will pass on their Staples knowledge to those who follow them.
No one can predict how any science experiment will turn out. But — thanks to Kylie Kirkham and her club — the chances of success for this one are sky-high.
What a great thing
Who knew! Nice work kids!