4-5 STEM Program Explores Universe
Published 10:15 am Friday, May 16, 2025
Photos submitted | Azaria Rudolph, a Hayneville Middle School Student, conducts a STEM experiment.
Photos submitted | Students and chaperones enjoy a visit to Dave & Busters. Pictured are (left to right, back row) Tracey McWilliams and Annie Grant; (left to right, front row) Mason Rich, Arimayah Purifoy and Sonya Grant.
Photos submitted | Hayneville Middle School students conduct STEM experiments. Pictured are (left to right) Ava Howard, Peyton Martin, Nehemiah Murphy, Azaria Rudolph and Romilia Myles.
Photos submitted | acelynn Casey, a fifth grader at Fort Dale Elementary School tries on a space suit.
Photos submitted | Central High School and The Calhoun School students visit the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Pictured are (left to right) Labria Foster, Zikyra Shuford. Zamiya Grant. Tyler Robertson, Shaniya Rudolph, Bryant Lambert, Kamelia Hunter, Adraya Martin, Zarria McCall, Aziya Flynn, JaCorey Moss, Zarayah Flowers, Jerdarius Davis, Ayala Johnson and Karma McCall.
Photos submitted | Lenard Means, a distinguished Boeing engineer with over thirty years of experience, shares his inspiring career journey with Lowndes County Public Schools students. Pictured are (left to right) Ronda Daniel, Lenard Means and Susan Butts.
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Students visit rocket center
On April 30, an adventure unfolded for 178 students from grades K-12 and 50 enthusiastic chaperones from every school in the Lowndes County Public School System. Students qualified to attend an all-expenses-paid field trip by participating in the LCPS Districtwide Science Fair or the Districtwide Math Bowl.
As a result of their hard work, participants embarked on what for some was a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the renowned U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, followed by an exhilarating evening at Dave & Busters in Birmingham.
“This first-class field trip was not only a well-deserved reward for the students’ hard work but also a heartfelt celebration of the invaluable support received from the community,” said Lowndes County Public Schools’ Education Specialist Susan Butts. “This type of community collaboration and generosity also signals strong momentum for future STEM initiatives that will further prepare students for success in an increasingly technical world.”
The group departed promptly at 6 a.m. in five charter buses, their excitement palpable as they set out on a journey filled with exploration and discovery, returning by 10 p.m. that same day.
Ensuring the safety of all participants, Sheriff Chris West assigned deputies from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department to supervise the departure and return to Hayneville Middle School.
This remarkable field trip was made possible through extensive support and donations and spearheaded by Butts. The meticulous planning was executed by a dedicated team of Lowndes County Math Coaches, including LaShawnta Carnes, Ora Gordon and Linda Williams as well as teachers from across the district: Sacouya Robertson, Analie Carr, Wakisha Carter-Lewis and Shantoria Brown.
Organizers received backing from regional specialists at the Alabama Office of Mathematics Improvement (OMI), including Mark Coty, Wyconda Lewis, Chenille Chambers and Jasmine Dumas, along with science specialist Christine McCloud from the Alabama Mathematics, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). The collaborative effort showcased a united commitment to enhancing STEM education within our school system.
“This field trip to the Space Center is more than a visit — it’s the start of lasting memories and a reminder that success begins with dreaming big,” said OMI Specialist Mark Coty.
Before diving into the wonders of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the students had the unique opportunity to listen to Lenard Means, a distinguished Boeing engineer with over thirty years of experience, as he shared his inspiring journey. Means, a graduate of Alabama A&M and a relative of Hayneville Middle School’s Media Specialist, Ronda Daniel, spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of working in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. His passionate encouragement for students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics struck a chord, leaving a lasting impression on the young audience.
“The trip to the Space and Rocket Center provided an excellent opportunity for our students to experience science and technology in a fun and educational setting,” Daniel said.
At the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the field trip offered a wealth of spectacular experiences. Students explored the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, participated in the “ISS: Science on Orbit” featured exhibition, and took in the sights of Rocket Park, Military Park, and Shuttle Park.
The thrills continued with the G-Force Accelerator and Moon Shot, while the INTUITIVE Planetarium dazzled with stellar presentations. Engaged in guided tours led by knowledgeable museum experts, students participated in a hands-on, one-hour lab, designed to enhance their learning experience, with lunch provided at Galaxy Grill to fuel their day.
To commemorate this extraordinary occasion, every student received a complimentary camouflage t-shirt, celebrating their participation in this special adventure.
Following their exploration at the iconic Space Center, the students indulged in a delightful buffet meal at Dave & Busters, where the excitement continued with $20 play cards for games and entertainment.
Tracey McWilliams, a proud grandparent, summed up the day.
“Dave and Buster’s and the Space Center offered a unique blend of entertainment and educational opportunity,” McWilliams said. “It was a fantastic experience for the students as well as the parents. This combination of hands-on science and engaging play created a memorable, well-rounded outing that sparked curiosity and reinforces STEM learning in a dynamic way.”
The donations that funded this extraordinary opportunity underscore a deep-rooted commitment to advancing STEM programs in Lowndes County. Recent contributions exceeding $45,100 were generously given by various organizations and individuals, reflecting how vital community involvement is in providing enriching educational experiences for the students. Partners will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, May 16.
“This level of community involvement is a testament to the shared commitment to advancing STEM education in Lowndes County,” Butts said. “I strongly urge all young people to study STEM because there is money in every problem; STEM Majors see it first.”
