Photo provided More than 1,000 people converged upon Indian Creek High School for the “Spring into Opportunity” STEAM Learning Fair on March 24, where they viewed displays, met with representatives from colleges, trades, military branches, and community resources and learned about what the school offered in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). Pictured are youngsters taking part in the engineering pathway’s robotics ring challenge during the event.

WINTERSVILLE – Students, their families, and community members joined together for the “Spring into Opportunity” STEAM Learning Fair at Indian Creek High School.

More than 1,000 people from inside and outside the Indian Creek Local School District converged upon the school March 24 for a chance to visit three-dozen tables and meet representatives of colleges, universities, trade organizations, military branches, community resources and potential employers, plus they saw what ICHS had to offer by way of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). Now in its fourth year, the learning fair showcased career-technical education (CTE) pathways, an art show, math displays, and choir performances while free pizza was served in the cafeteria.

Business pathway instructor Johnna Provenzano, who coordinated this year’s event with her students, was thrilled with the response.

“I think it’s been very successful and I’m proud of the students who helped to make it so,” said Provenzano. “I’m thankful to the community organizations, colleges, and military for attending. We’ve had more representatives come this year.”

Spectators viewed FANUC robotic arms performing tasks or operated remote controls in a robotic ring with engineering students; enjoyed refreshments at the business pathway’s school store; took part in the interactive media photo booth; piloted drones in the gym; learned about the hellbender program to save an endangered species or made a “delicious dirt” snack in the natural resources pathway; listened to the delightful sounds of the elementary and high school choirs; learned about the Creek Squad student IT program; and participated in or viewed the performing arts karaoke event.

They also spoke to representatives from college, trade, military, and student and community groups as they pondered options for their future. Vendors included Belmont College, Kent State University, Muskingum University, West Virginia Northern Community College, Mount Union University, Ohio State University, Youngstown State University, U.S. Army, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Jefferson County Resource Network, United Way of Jefferson County, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Employment Services, Jefferson County Community Action Council, 7 Ranges Entertainment, Apollo Pro Cleaning and Restoration, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 246, Illumination Financial, Indian Creek Foundation, Softite Community Federal Credit Union, Superior Property Inspection, Tri-State Financial, Wayne Doors, WesBanco, GRIT, and school organizations such as Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), the student travel program, and Ink Society.

First-time and returning vendors said it was a great way to connect and inform community members.

Eric Timmons, WesBanco branch manager, said he and his representatives received various queries about banking to employment. It was the first time the bank participated in the learning fair and he said it was important to engage with the public.

“I’ve come as a spectator but thought it was important to have community involvement,” Timmons added. “We always try to get out into the community as much as possible, and this is what WesBanco wants to be part of.”

Gary Atkins, assistant director of admissions at Muskingum University, made the 1 ½-hour trip from New Concord to discuss the school’s offerings, such as education, business, engineering, and a nationally known nursing program. Atkins said he has returned to share details at the learning fair for the past three years.

“It’s a good event and I’m really glad to be invited because you make connections,” Atkins said.

ICHS Principal Louie Retton praised Provenzano and everyone involved with coordinating the event, citing CTE staff, art teacher Amanda Speece’s art show, music educator Aimee Carroll and her choir members, performing arts teacher Bobby Zinsmeister and his students’ karaoke activity, and all of the school clubs and vendors.

“It was fantastic and it’s grown a little bigger each year,” Retton added. “We had over 1,000 people and I can’t thank Johnna Provenzano enough. As I walked around, the energy and enthusiasm were greater than I’d ever seen before. I was excited to see the elementary kids playing with the robotics, and you could see the spark that maybe they would want to do this in high school.”

He noted that the learning fair also drew people outside of the school district to obtain outreach and information.

“It’s something that will continue to grow every year,” Retton said.

“It was great to see kids from all of the schools, not just the high school,” ICHS Assistant Principal Keith Swearingen interjected.

“It’s always a fantastic opportunity,” concluded Superintendent Dr. T.C. Chappelear. “I love catching up with local businesses and colleges that are here and I’ve also enjoyed talking to parents who were students when I was a teacher. It’s a great night to highlight all of the things we’re doing at Indian Creek and in STEAM.”