YMCA, STEM, GEAR-UP

In 1844 Europe, the Industrial Revolution was over, but the continent continued to face economic turmoil and several people were migrating from rural areas. George Williams of London noticed this and created a refuge, where people could be protected, stay healthy and receive religion-based education: the Young Men’s Christian Association, commonly known by its acronym.

In modern times, its goal is to provide for children and help create bright minds, through fun activities and community enrichment. This is achieved by participants developing the mind, body and spirit. In addition, its volunteer groups offer support for families after natural disasters, similar to the Red Cross.

For most people who know the organization’s actual name, confusion can occur. In the old days (before your parents and teachers) sociability was very different. Only men worked and participated in making discoveries, leaving women to domestic jobs; and everyone was either some form of Christian, atheist or killed. #APEH

Also, the YMCA caters to everyone, regardless of any factors or preferences, although some chapters still have a focus on Christianity.

In addition, there is actually a female counterpart, which still exists (YWCA). Mrs. Deborah “Deb” Neal has participated and enjoyed the $15 a night hostel.

In 2012, our local chapter was looking for a place to host their summer programs, and Ogden City School District refused. That’s when an employee called Mrs. Neal, then science teacher, and with administration’s approval, the magic began.

Starting this year, Spencer Hadlock visits the school, Monday to Thursday, to help with the FREE HOT MEALS (a.k.a. FOOD) and some extra-curricular activities. The teachers really appreciate everything.

“Anything we tell him we need, he’ll get it. He’s awesome!” (Mrs. Neal and Mrs. Wendeline “Wendy” Roberts)

“I don’t know how he does it, but it happens. It’s great! And students love the food. The money budgeted towards all that, I can now spend for my classroom.” (Mrs. Jennifer “Jenn” Gray)

Most schools are committed to creating smart minded students, but DaVinci takes the extra step by focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). We offer several classes and clubs that make students think and work harder, and Mrs. Neal is hoping for many more, like all three subjects of AP science.

“Principles for the Development of a Complete Mind: Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses, especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.” (Leonardo da Vinci)

STEM is also a very important career field. It includes most careers that students think suck or aren’t interesting, but are actually very vital. Also, you might hate some subjects, and not everything is even a tad-bit useful (teachers, let’s be honest), but who else will make you healthier or do your taxes?

“Lack of people in STEM careers is a national crisis.” (Hill AFB Representative)

A long time ago, our school received a grant from GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) due to the amount of students in low-income families. Mr. Greg Woodring would work with the senior class to achieve college preparedness, and taught a culinary club every Tuesday. In addition, for a short time, they made the next day’s vegetarian/vegan main course. All this ended in 2013-2014, due to us becoming unqualified.

Tuesday after school, several DaVincians, community members and press gathered in the gymnasium, to celebrate our school focusing on STEM. Administration and representatives from partner organizations made speeches, commenting on our progress. Afterwards, a ribbon was cut, with help from the Chamber of Commerce’s Spikers Club, and everyone went about: looking at robotics demonstrations, eating food and chatting.

In addition, earlier this academic year, our school received a $3,000 grant, to help us run these programs, for three years. A large percentage goes to materials and competition expenses, while any remaining will be split among departments, as found necessary.

Although this is great and exciting, Mrs. Neal did reveal an interesting detail: this will NOT go towards any core classes (except Physics Day). In other words, your labs and projects will remain as-is, so learn to enjoy them, or take up:

• Academic Decathlon/ Pentathlon
• Aeronautics
• Anatomy
• Astronomy
• Aviation & Aerospace
• Botany
• Genetics
• Green Dragons
• Envirothon
• Robotics
• Science Olympiad
• Zoology