“I like jumping in puddles.”
STEM Academy at Nimitz Middle School sixth-grader Brielle Walker loves to jump in puddles after a storm. While that can be fun, she’s also very aware of how dangerous some storms can be.
“If you see flood waters, turn around. Don’t drown.”
Brielle learned that lesson as she and 22 of her classmates became certified SKYWARN Storm Spotters for the National Weather Service. The high-school level course teaches students about weather patterns in our area and what to watch for when weather-related danger comes.
“I love helping people; just the thought of being able to save lives by telling others when a storm is coming makes me feel like I can save lives.”
The certification was an optional part of STEM students’ lessons on natural disasters. Recently, the students took what they had learned and turned those lessons into informative skits, giving them the opportunity to teach their parents and friends about natural disasters.
“Being here at STEM allows me to get a lot of different opportunities. You get to go to a lot of places. I get to do a lot of hands-on work, and that helps me understand things better and know more things.”
Right now, the application window is open for all of our magnet programs. It closes on Jan. 20 just before midnight.
