Classroom Happenings: Inspired Connections

Students in grades 2-8 explored a range of career interests and engaged in experiential activities at Steward’s Future Me Fair on November 10. In the Bryan Innovation Lab, the expo-style event featured volunteer presenters — parents, alumni, staff, faculty, and friends of Steward — who shared their professional experiences and expertise with Spartans.

Presenters were grouped into categories that reflect Steward’s core values (academic achievement, care & respect, civil discourse, individuality, innovation, and inspiration), helping students connect what they are learning in school to their future goals. 

The event was designed as an interactive experience: Students were given suggested questions and age-appropriate scavenger hunts to guide their conversations as they visited the booths and tables. They practiced their public speaking skills and were held accountable for the information they received as they filled out their scavenger hunt sheets. This structure aligns with how students learn at Steward — through exploration, connection, and active learning. 

Hands-on learning examples include Carol Bokinsky, a nurse anesthetist and mother of Hamilton ’34, Madelyn ’36, and Adair ’38, who provided practical experience as students learned to intubate a dummy patient. Dr. Jeffrey Fardink (father of Emmett ’36), an optometrist, brought models of the eye, which captivated curious students. Brett Welch (mother of Audrey ’35 and Megan ’31), a psychotherapist and parent coach, shared therapy toys she uses in sessions with clients. Savannah Amor (mother of Kennedy Kappeler ’38) is a traffic engineer, and students checked out her traffic light outline and traffic signs.

School Counselor Jentae Scott-Mayo, who organized the fair, said, “The Future Me Fair was intentionally designed as a hands-on approach to encourage curiosity, meaningful interaction, and authentic, real-world learning. It enabled students to understand the ‘why’ behind their learning. Now, they can see why these jobs help in their own lives. Additionally, as a counselor, I know that one of the main protective factors for mental health is having hopes and dreams for the future and feeling like a productive member of society. The fair helped inspire that feeling.”

Jennifer Ligon, an attorney and mother of Avalyn ’32 and Coralie ’35, volunteered because, “I love all the activities at Steward, but I can’t always attend because of my work schedule. This was a great way to participate with my kids and learn while doing it.” Ms. Ligon surprised her children when they arrived at the fair, and they were delighted to see her there.

View the Steward Snaps from the Future Me Fair.