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Anoka High School seniors showcase talent and creativity at STEAM Expo

large group of seniors on the stage(05/26/2023) Anoka High School (AHS) seniors in the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) program showcased their capstone projects on May 18 when school staff, families and community members were invited to the school for the AHS STEAM Expo.

Forty-one projects were on display for demonstrations and explanations, and a short program in the auditorium spotlighted five of those projects. The program also featured three STEAM senior dancers and a presentation of awards and a scholarship. Other members of the STEAM program provided hands-on opportunities for visitors. A total of 45 seniors will be graduating with their STEAM Certification in June. View photos from the event.

Logan Zakrajshek was one of the presenters in the Spotlight Speaker Series, and his project was called ‘Foam Feasting Insects.’ He trained mealworms to eat styrofoam, a material that is non-biodegradable and cannot be recycled, and turn it into 100% organic waste. He plans to attend Gustavus Adolphus College to study biology.

“With STEAM, I really got the opportunity to be myself and pursue my own interests,” Zakrajshek said. “I was able to express who I am in whatever I was doing and I think that is a really important thing that other schools may not enable.”

Josi Browne was also featured in the Spotlight Speaker Series with her project ‘Paradise for Purpose.’ She designed a non-profit resort in Liberia, which has one of the poorest educational systems in the world, that works to financially support educational efforts. She is heading to the University of Minnesota Duluth with a focus on business and entrepreneurship. 

“One thing I took away from the STEAM program was to always look outside the box,” Browne said. “It was something we were forced to do in the program.”

Jill Luoma-Overstreet, STEAM coordinator and curriculum integrator, and Todd Hunter, STEAM teacher and Makerspace facilitator, led the short presentation and presented the awards. 

2022-23 STEAM Awards

STEAM Scholarship Award: Madison McNamara
STEAM Senior Recognition Award: Peyton Johnson

Annual Awards

  • Gritty Maker Award: Elliot Zimpfer
  • Anoka Legacy Award: Awa Cisse
  • Grand Ambition Award: Courtney Graves
  • Tenacious Engineer Award: Bridgette Bottineau
  • Creative Visionary: Hannah Freeman

STEAM Spotlight Speakers

  • Annika Hjelle
  • Amber Hansen
  • Josi Browne
  • Logan Zakrajshek
  • Courtney Graves

Highlighted Dancers

  • Amaru Brown
  • Amanda Vang
  • Daniella Mutima

To learn more or to help support the AHS STEAM program, visit ahschools.us/AHSSTEAM.